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Wood Brothers Racing Race Week Briefing: EchoPark Speedway

Event: Autotrader 400
Date/Time: Sunday, February 22, 2026, 3 p.m. ET
Location: EchoPark Speedway, Hampton, Georgia
Layout: 1.5-Mile Oval
TV/Radio: FOX, PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

With a top-10 finish in the season-opening Daytona 500 in the books, Josh Berry and the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane team head into the second race of the 2026 season carrying early momentum that has been hard to come by in recent years.

Despite the team’s rich history at Daytona – including five Daytona 500 victories – the Wood Brothers had not recorded a top-10 finish in the 500 since 2018, when Paul Menard crossed the line sixth. Berry’s ninth-place result not only ended that drought but also positioned him 12th in the Cup Series standings heading into Race 2. That early points cushion carries added significance under the current championship format, which no longer includes a win-and-you’re-in provision for the season-ending, 10-race, championship-deciding Chase.

Berry said the focus now shifts to building on the speed shown in Speedweeks as the Cup Series moves to EchoPark Speedway for Sunday’s Autotrader 400. The 1.54-mile track, formerly known as Atlanta Motor Speedway, has taken on a superspeedway-style identity in recent seasons, putting a premium on drafting, execution and track position.

“I’m proud of the speed we showed at Daytona,” Berry said. “The 21 team brought a fast Ford Mustang, and we were able to put ourselves in position throughout the week.

“That’s something we want to carry into Atlanta. We qualified well there in both races last year and had cars capable of running up front, but the finishes didn’t reflect the speed we had.

“Atlanta races similar to Daytona now, so hopefully we can build on what we learned last week and put together a complete race.”

Berry’s qualifying efforts at Atlanta last season underscored that potential. He started third in the spring race and second in the summer event, but incidents in both races prevented the team from converting that speed into the finish it deserved.

There is no practice scheduled at EchoPark Speedway prior to qualifying, which is set for Saturday at 11 a.m. ET. Sunday’s 400-mile, 260-lap race is slated to begin just after 3 p.m. ET with live coverage on FOX. Stage breaks are planned for Lap 60 and Lap 160.

Saturday, February 21

Josh Berry will participate in a 15-minute Q&A session at the Ford Stage at 1:00 p.m. in the fan zone at EchoPark Speedway.

Josh Berry

Age: 35 (Oct. 22, 1990)

Hometown: Hendersonville, Tennessee

Crew Chief: Miles Stanley

IG: @joshberry88

X: @joshberry

About Motorcraft®
Motorcraft offers a complete line of replacement parts that are recommended by Ford Motor Company. From routine maintenance to under hood repairs, Motorcraft parts offer value with high quality and the right fit at competitive prices. Motorcraft parts are available nationwide at Ford Dealers and Lincoln Retailers, independent distributors and automotive-parts retailers, and are backed by the Service Parts Limited Warranty* of Ford Motor Company. For more information, visit www.motorcraft.com. *See your dealer for limited-warranty details.

About Quick Lane® Tire & Auto Center
Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center offers extraordinary service for routine maintenance, serving all vehicle makes and models. Quick Lane provides a full menu of automotive services, including tires, oil change and maintenance, brakes, batteries, alternator and electrical system, air conditioning system, cooling system, transmission service, suspension and steering, wheel alignment, belts and hoses, lamps and bulbs and wiper blades plus a thorough vehicle checkup report. Service is performed by expert technicians while you wait at any of nearly 800 locations in the U.S., with evening and weekend hours available and no appointment necessary. For more information about Quick Lane, please visit www.quicklane.com. *See your dealer for limited-warranty details.

OPEN WHEEL SHOWDOWN ADDS $10,000 TO WIN NON-WING SPRINT CAR DIVISION FOR 2026

LAS VEGAS, NV (February 19, 2026) – The fourth annual Open Wheel Showdown is excited to announce the addition of Non-Wing Sprint Cars for its 2026 running at The Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, November 5–7.

The new division will headline Friday Night’s Honest Abe Roofing Qualifying Night, serving as the featured event of the evening. The Non-Wing Sprint Cars will compete in a 75-lap main event paying $10,000 to win and $1,000 to start, adding another marquee moment to one of asphalt racing’s richest weekends. An incentive will also be offered for teams who run both the winged and non-wing divisions with details to be announced later.

Non-Wing’s addition to the Open Wheel Showdown continues the meaningful reintroduction of pavement sprint car racing to the Las Vegas area. The Southwest region was once rich in open-wheel tradition with events like the Turkey Night Grand Prix and the Cooper World Classic drawing national attention. Bringing Non-Wing Sprint Cars back to this stage reconnects the area with that storied history while introducing a new generation of fans to the excitement of pavement sprint car competition.

The addition marks a significant expansion of the Showdown’s class structure, joining Winged Sprint Cars, Modifieds, Super Modifieds, Legends, and Bandoleros to further solidify the event as the definitive asphalt open wheel racing festival.

“Adding Non-Wing Sprint Cars to the Open Wheel Showdown builds upon my vision to make this the premier pavement open wheel event in the world,” Promoter Davey Hamilton, Jr. said. “Not only will this be a great addition for the competitors and the fans, I am looking forward to jumping in to chase the $10,000 prize. Friday night under the lights in Las Vegas will be even more electric in 2026 with the Non-Wing Sprint Cars headlining the program and I can’t wait to see the racing!”

The new division will receive strong support from the YourBIGPlans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour, a national series dedicated to non-wing pavement sprint car competition and preserving the heritage of the discipline.

“This is an important step for the growth of non-wing pavement sprint car racing,” said Jared Owen, Series Director of the YourBIGPlans.com 500 Sprint Car Tour. “Events like the Open Wheel Showdown create major opportunities for our teams to compete on a big stage. It’s another building block in the continued growth of this division and directly supports the momentum we’re seeing around the Unified Group Services Little 500. The more high-profile races we create for non-wing sprint cars, the stronger the foundation becomes for the future of the Little 500 and pavement sprint car racing as a whole.”

The Open Wheel Showdown continues to attract top open wheel talent from coast to coast, offering one of the most compelling purses and competitive fields in pavement racing today.

Event registration opens on March 1. More info can be found at www.OpenWheelShowdown.com

Cadillac, Corvette Have Strength in Numbers at Le Mans

  • Cadillac Racing FIA WEC Hypercar contenders to be joined by Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing
  • Four Corvettes – three from TF Sport, one from 13 Autosport – to make up 25-car LMGT3 grid

DETROIT (February 19, 2026) – Three Cadillac V-Series.R race cars along with four Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.Rs will take part in this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans with today’s release of the official entry list by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest.

Cadillac Racing will challenge for overall victory with a trio of factory Cadillac V-Series.R race cars supported by experienced and championship-winning teams and drivers in the Hypercar class. For LMGT3, four Corvettes are part of a strong class that will feature 25 cars.

“General Motors has the broadest and most diverse motorsports presence of any automaker in the world,” General Motors President Mark Reuss said. “Fielding seven cars at Le Mans reflects not only our competitive ambition, but our relentless drive to advance endurance, innovation and performance on a global stage.”

Cadillac Racing at Le Mans: 
Seeking victory with Three Entries

Event organizer Automobile Club de l’Ouest extended three invitations to Cadillac Racing. In addition to the No. 12 and 38 Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA V-Series.R entries from the World Endurance Championship (WEC), also on the grid will be the No. 101 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.R, a full-season IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship entrant in the Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class.

The Nos. 12 and 38 Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA V-Series.R received automatic invitations based on full-season participation in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). JOTA Sport is in its second season of WEC Hypercar competition with Cadillac as a works team. Jack Aitken, Earl Bamber, Sébastien Bourdais, Alex Lynn, Norman Nato and Will Stevens will be the drivers.

The No. 101 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.R will compete at Le Mans for the second time. Ricky Taylor, Jordan Taylor and Filipe Albuquerque will be the drivers.

In the 2025 WEC Hypercar competition, Cadillac finished fourth in the manufacturers’ championship and in July in Brazil the No. 12 Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA V-Series.R won the event, while the No. 38 car was second. At Le Mans, Cadillac swept the front row with the No. 12 car taking the pole and the No. 38 qualifying second.

The Cadillac V-Series.R features a purpose-built Cadillac 5.5L DOHC V-8 engine developed by GM’s Performance and Racing Propulsion team based in Pontiac, Michigan. The racecar, co-developed by Cadillac Design, Cadillac Racing and chassis constructor Dallara, was informed by the Project GTP Hypercar that was unveiled in June 2022. It incorporates distinctive Cadillac design elements, such as vertical lighting and floating blades.

Corvette Racing at Le Mans: Four of a Kind

For the first time at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, four entries from the Corvette Racing program will be on the grid for the June endurance classic.

TF Sport, Corvette Racing’s full-season representative in the FIA WEC, will be present for the third year in a row with its Corvette Z06 GT3.Rs – the No. 33 of Nicky Catsburg, Jonny Edgar and Ben Keating plus the No. 34 of Charlie Eastwood Salih Yoluc and Peter Dempsey – that also will contest the full-season championship.

The team will also take up its automatic invitation from winning last year’s European Le Mans Series with another Corvette, which will sport the No. 66 for Le Mans. Running under the TF Sport banner, the effort also includes personnel from Johor Motorsports Racing with Prince Jefri Ibrahim, Afiq Ikhwan and Ben Green teaming together.

From North America, 13 Autosport will take to the Le Mans grid with its No. 13 Corvette. Under the AWA banner in 2025, 13 Autosport owner/driver Orey Fidani won his second straight Bob Akin Award in the IMSA WeatherTech Championship to earn 13 Autosport a return trip to Le Mans this year. Fidani will team with IMSA teammates Matt Bell and Lars Kern.

This isn’t the first time that four Corvettes have taken on Le Mans in the same year. The brand’s first appearance at the French classic came in 1960 with a quartet of Corvettes – one of which won the GT class in the hands of John Fitch and Bob Grossman. Four Corvettes also appeared at the 2016 race including two factory cars from Corvette Racing in the GTE Pro class.

The Corvette Z06 GT3.R starts with the same production chassis frame as the road-going Z06. Similar carbon-fiber splitters for front downforce, and the surface area from the top of the windshield to the rear of the Z06 remained intact on the Z06 GT3.R. That includes side air ducts behind the doors — directly inspired by Z06 production road car — that help to cool the engine, transaxle and rear brakes.

The similarities carry over to the hand-built 5.5L, flat-plane crankshaft V8 engine in the Z06 GT3.R. Both originate from the Bowling Green factory with the racing version sharing 80 percent of the production content from the Z06

The 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans is scheduled for June 13-14 and will be the fourth round of the FIA World Endurance Championship.

About General Motors

General Motors (NYSE:GM) is driving the future of transportation, leveraging advanced technology to build safer, smarter, and lower emission cars, trucks, and SUVs. GM’s Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC brands offer a broad portfolio of innovative gasoline-powered vehicles and the industry’s widest range of EVs, as we move to an all-electric future.

GM Motorsports, including the Cadillac Formula 1® Team develops and proves advanced technologies in the most demanding environments, accelerating innovation in performance, safety, efficiency, and electrification for its production vehicles. Cadillac Racing is one of the leading manufacturers in the IMSA and FIA World Endurance Championships (WEC). Chevrolet competes in single seaters in the US IndyCar series, and in NASCAR with multiple team partners and drivers. Corvette customer teams compete in GT series across the globe including IMSA and WEC. Learn more at GM.com.

Hendrick Motorsports Media Advance: Atlanta

Atlanta Motor Speedway
Sunday, Feb. 22
1.54-Mile Quad-Oval
3 p.m. ET
Location: Hampton, Georgia
TV: Fox
Event: NASCAR Cup Series race (2 of 36)
RADIO: SiriusXM

5 KYLE LARSON
Age: 33 (July 31, 1992)
Hometown: Elk Grove, California
Last Week: 16th (Daytona)
Crew Chief: Cliff Daniels
Standings: T-14th

No. 5 Valvoline Chevrolet

2026Cup CareerDaytona
Races140316
Wins0320
Poles0220
Top 501343
Top 1002044
Laps Led710,369452
Stage Wins0724
Average Finish16.014.018.9
  • Kyle Larson and the No. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM team are tied for 14th in the NASCAR Cup Series points standings after last week’s DAYTONA 500, 29 points behind first place.
  • Larson finished third at Atlanta Motor Speedway last February in a three-wide photo finish.
  • The Elk Grove, California, native has won three of the last 11 drafting-track stages.
  • Since 2025, Larson ranks eighth in passing, 10th in defense and fifth on restarts at drafting tracks.
  • The 33-year-old has earned 268 points on drafting tracks over the last eight races, ranking second overall, just 11 points shy of the top spot.

9 CHASE ELLIOTT
Age: 30 (Nov. 28, 1995)
Hometown: Dawsonville, Georgia
Last week: 4th (Daytona)
Crew Chief: Alan Gustafson
Standings: 3rd

No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet

2026Cup CareerAtlanta
Races135914
Wins0212
Poles0120
Top 511163
Top 1011919
Laps Led25,982205
Stage Wins0392
Average Finish4.012.811.4
  • Last weekend, Chase Elliott nearly won his first DAYTONA 500. He had the lead coming out of the final turn and got caught up in a multi-car incident coming to the checkered flag, ultimately crossing the finish line in fourth.
  • Elliott heads to Atlanta Motor Speedway as the most recent NASCAR Cup Series race winner at the track. The Dawsonville, Georgia, native led 41 laps en route to victory last June. It was his second Cup Series triumph at his home track.
  • On the current Atlanta configuration, the 30-year-old driver has the best average finish (9.14) and the second-best average running position (11.15) among active Cup Series drivers. He’s led the fourth-most laps (166) and has the third-most stage wins (two).
  • Last season at the 1.54-mile quad-oval, Elliott was tied for the most points earned (74). In total, the driver of the No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet has earned the second-most points (257) on the track’s current layout.
  • Elliott’s three top-five finishes and four top 10s in the last five races at drafting tracks lead the series.

24 WILLIAM BYRON
Age: 28 (Nov. 29, 1997)
Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
Last Week: 12th (Daytona)
Crew Chief: Rudy Fugle
Standings: 18th

No. 24 RAPTOR Chevrolet

2026Cup CareerAtlanta
Races128913
Wins0162
Poles0160
Top 50652
Top 1001204
Laps Led04,308181
Stage Wins0341
Average Finish12.015.119.2
  • Despite starting 39th in a backup car Sunday, William Byron still had a chance at a DAYTONA 500 three-peat in the closing laps. Unfortunately, after taking the white flag, he was shuffled out of contention before securing a 12th-place finish.
  • In 41 starts on drafting tracks, the Charlotte, North Carolina, native has five wins – three at Daytona International Speedway and two at Atlanta Motor Speedway. His five drafting wins puts him in a tie with Jimmie Johnson for the second most all time at Hendrick Motorsports behind only vice chairman Jeff Gordon (12). It is also tied for the third most among active drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series.
  • On drafting tracks in the Next Gen era, Byron has led the fourth-most laps (269). In the last eight races at drafting tracks, the 28-year-old driver has earned the third-most points (242).
  • Since Atlanta Motor Speedway was reconfigured, Byron has the sixth-best average running position of 13.53 and has led the third-most laps (179).
  • In the Georgia track’s history, Byron has two wins which is tied with teammate Chase Elliott for the third most by a Hendrick Motorsports driver.

48 ALEX BOWMAN
Age: 32 (April 25, 1993)
Hometown: Tucson, Arizona
Last Week: 40th (Daytona)
Crew Chief: Blake Harris
Standings: 36th

No. 48 Ally Chevrolet

2026Cup CareerAtlanta
Races136215
Wins080
Poles070
Top 50464
Top 1001125
Laps Led01,53343
Stage Wins070
Average Finish40.019.217.0
  • Last week in the NASCAR Cup Series season opener at Daytona International Speedway, Alex Bowman and the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet finished 40th after being involved in an incident on lap 124.
  • In the last three races at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Bowman has earned two top-five finishes. That includes his best finish at the track of third after leading 32 laps in June last year.
  • Bowman’s best finish on drafting tracks is second. He has earned a runner-up finish twice, both times finishing second to a teammate (William Byron, 2024 DAYTONA 500, Chase Elliott, 2019 Talladega).

17 COREY DAY
Age: 20 (November 28, 2005)
Hometown: Clovis, California
Last Finish: 27th (Daytona)
Crew Chief: Adam Wall
Standings: 24th

  • Saturday’s NASCAR O’Reilly Series race at Atlanta Motor Speedway will be Corey Day’s first career start at the 1.54-mile track.
  • His experience on drafting tracks is limited to two starts at Daytona International Speedway, one in the No. 17 HENDRICKCARS.COM Chevy last week in the NOAPS race and one ARCA Series start in 2025.
  • The last Hendrick Motorsports NOAPS start at Atlanta was in 2007; Day’s start will be the team’s first time on the track’s new configuration.

Hendrick Motorsports

2026All-TimeAtlanta
Races11,41874
Wins0320*18*
Poles0259*5
Top 511,323*69*
Top 1012,261*108*
Laps Led985,376*3,763*
Stage Wins01376



*Most
**Tied for most

  • Hendrick Motorsports will eclipse 5,000 all-time NASCAR Cup Series starts at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sunday. Currently, the team sits at 4,997.
  • The organization remains the premier series’ standard bearer in wins (320), poles (259), top-five finishes (1,323), top-10 finishes (2,261) and laps led (85,376).
  • Since a repave and reconfiguration at Atlanta in the summer of 2021, Hendrick Motorsports has combined to win four of eight races at the 1.54-mile quad-oval with both Chase Elliott and William Byron winning twice.
  • The organization’s 18 victories, 69 top fives, 108 top 10s and 3,763 laps led are all the most ever at Atlanta. Hendrick Motorsports’ 35 wins at drafting tracks are the most by 14.

QUOTABLE /

Kyle Larson, driver of the No. 5 Chevrolet, on going to Atlanta Motor Speedway: “Our No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports team has shown strong speed to start the season, which gives us confidence heading into another drafting track weekend. Track position will be even more critical, so one of our focuses is on putting together a solid qualifying effort to set ourselves up for Sunday. We’re excited to have Valvoline back on board our Chevrolet and look forward to making the most of the opportunity.”

Chase Elliott, driver of the No. 9 Chevrolet, on racing at his home track: “For me, it’s nice to stay close to home, number one, but number two, I think it’s the excitement and the energy. I got to experience that firsthand after the race there over the summer (after the win), which was just really cool to see and kind of feel that support. It’s a special place. It’s my home track. I think there’s been a lot of regenerated excitement for the speedway since the change. People have been telling me how much they enjoy going down there again, and that’s always cool too. So, all of that is fun. I’m glad there’s two races too. You get to experience it twice a year instead of once.”

William Byron, driver of the No. 24 Chevrolet, on heading to Atlanta Motor Speedway: “It’s tough having two drafting races back-to-back just for the element of the unknown. I do have confidence though in that we’ll show up with a good car and have a good shot again as long as we’re there in the end. The difference between Atlanta and Daytona though is that handling plays a bigger factor this weekend than it did last. Qualifying is the only lap you get to try get a feel for what you have. We have a pretty good notebook for there, so hopefully we unload close and can fine tune for Sunday.”

Alex Bowman, driver of the No. 48 Chevrolet, on Atlanta Motor Speedway: “Hendrick Motorsports had a strong showing last weekend (in the DAYTONA 500), which is really positive to see with the new Chevrolet body. Obviously, for our No. 48 Ally team, being in the wrong place at the wrong time ended our day early last weekend. With what we saw out of the car, we’re ready to get to Atlanta, another drafting track, and see what we can accomplish. We have shown speed there, had good runs in the past and we’ll look to continue building on that.”

Corey Day, driver of the No. 17 Chevrolet, on Atlanta Motor Speedway: “Atlanta will be tough, it’s a track I’ve never been to so, it’s all new to me, but I’m ready for it. Daytona was my first drafting track and I learned a lot but have a lot more to learn. Our team has been putting in the work on building fast race cars and I’m excited to see what we can do at a new track.”

Custom Printed Collapsible Boxes for Premium Product Packaging

Photo by Matheus Bertelli at pexels.com

Nowadays, many businesses are looking for premium packaging because it draws people’s attention and convinces them to buy what a brand is selling. Rigid boxes are known for being premium and giving consumers the impression of expense. A brand can choose between collapsible and non-collapsible rigid boxes. The non-collapsible option is the traditional option where the boxes are rigid. Custom collapsible boxes are trending nowadays because brands can get the benefits of a rigid box with the added advantage of simple storage.

The following discusses custom printed collapsible boxes for premium product packaging:

Sturdy Structural Design

Premium products are linked with quality. The packaging should also be of high quality. Rigid boxes are like this because they are made from sturdy materials such as cardboard or paperboard.

Collapsible boxes offer the structural strength of rigid boxes while saving storage space. Products can be protected in the box, and people form a first impression of quality when they look at it.

Consumers are more willing to buy products packaged in sturdy packaging, as they know a high-quality item will be inside. Therefore, sturdy packaging can convey a sense of quality and value to consumers.

Safely Package Product

Premium products should be properly secured in the box so they do not move around or get damaged. Custom-printed boxes can do this because they are made to the dimensions of the items they hold. When the box is the right size and shape, the product fits in it better and is less likely to be damaged because it remains stable. 

Consumers get a premium brand image when the box is opened because the item inside is presented attractively. Durable boxes like these provide added strength and security for the product.

Premium Packaging Design

The packaging even needs to look premium and high-end so that people think something expensive is in the box. These boxes can be designed this way to convey an image of class and expense.

High-quality printing methods are used to design the box. Brands design packaging according to their needs and what they want to communicate to people. Colors that suggest luxury are used, such as black, gold, silver, rose gold, etc. Images are even added, which will let people know what will be in the box.

For instance, if a business is selling premium electronics, it can add the color silver on the box to suggest class and modernity. An image of the product can be printed on the packaging, letting consumers know what it is.

High-End Finishes

Custom packaging boxes can include premium finishes that let the box stand out and even convey a sense of luxury. Brands are considering finishes nowadays, as they make the box look unique and stand out attractively.

A brand can choose which finishing touches to include according to the impression it wants to convey to its consumer base. There are a variety of options available, including matte, gloss, and metallic foil stamping.

A high-end electronics brand can add silver foiling to the packaging, which will make the box shine prominently and convey a modern image. 

Textured impacts are being considered as they make the box feel different and encourage people to interact with it. A brand selling high-end jewelry will add a soft, matte texture that feels high-end.

A business will get premium packaging whilst ensuring the box is collapsible and will not take up too much room. 

Promote Luxury Brand

Custom boxes with logos can promote a luxury brand among competitors, so people know about it. Consumers will know the business exists in the market and is established among the competition when the right brand details are clearly displayed on the box.

Brand information, such as a brand logo, can be added so people can find and notice the business’s products. If a brand uses the same logo on all its packaging, people will be able to recognize the business’s products.

Brand colors are important, too, and they can be included on packaging to help people recognize the business’s items. A business can add its contact information, such as its address and social media links, so people know how to reach it.

Consumers will recognize products from businesses like this and see them as legitimate businesses with a place in the premium product market.

This is why many premium brands choose this packaging type for their products. The boxes can convey a sense of class and luxury to people, encouraging them to buy from the business.

Products such as cosmetics, candles, electronics, food items, and apparel can be placed effectively in the box and delivered to customers in excellent condition. The brand will even be promoted as a high-end, premium brand in the market, making people trust it and want to buy from it. A business needs to give this image if it wants to stand out in the competitive market.

Custom packaging boxes are used for premium product packaging because of their unique value and ability to stand out from the competition. The packaging is strong enough to protect the product from getting damaged. It is even designed in an eye-catching way so that people are drawn to it, even when the box is among the competition. Many businesses are considering collapsible rigid packaging because it offers the advantages of rigid boxes without the concern that the packaging will take up too much room. Generally, the boxes are simple to assemble, making life easier for businesses and consumers alike. 

AO by TF to Defend Le Mans Victory in 2026

ST. CHARLES, Ill., (February 19, 2026) – AO Racing is headed back to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2026, announcing its fourth consecutive entry at the world’s most iconic endurance race. After claiming a class victory and second consecutive podium in 2025, AO and TF Sport will again partner up for battle at the Circuit de la Sarthe, ready to defend their class win in the LMP2 PRO/AM class.

The driver roster remains unchanged with European Le Mans Series champions and 24 Hours of Le Mans winners PJ Hyett, Louis Deletraz, and Dane Cameron returning to the fold. The trio’s blend of speed, experience, and composure across 24 hours proved decisive in 2025 and positions the team to once again compete at the front of the field.

“It’s fantastic to be able to head back to the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the same program and drivers that we won the race with in 2025,” said AO Racing Team Principal Gunnar Jeannette. “PJ, Dane, and Louis are all very eager to see if they can make it two in a row!”

The partnership of AO by TF has proven to be a formidable force, capturing back-to-back European Le Mans Series championship titles, an LMP2 PRO/AM class win and podium result at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and an LMP2 overall podium in the legendary race as well.

Further details regarding the 2026 Le Mans program, including car presentation and partner announcements, will be shared in the coming months.

DRIVER QUOTES

PJ Hyett

Winning Le Mans last year was a dream come true. I cannot wait to go after it again with this phenomenal crew.

Dane Cameron

I am hugely excited to be back at Le Mans with PJ and Louis. To win last year was an absolute dream come true and I’d love nothing more than to do it again. Nothing is guaranteed but being back with the same line up and support from AO By TF gives us confidence that we will fly high again this year.

Louis Deletraz

I’m very happy to be back at Le Mans with AO by TF. Sharing the car with PJ and Dane was awesome last year and going back with the same line up and team will make us even stronger. I’m really excited to start ELMS in a few months and build up to Le Mans.

Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Announces 30th Anniversary Ride Route and Overnight Stops

The 30th Anniversary Ride will take place from May 1 – May 9, 2026, starting in Sonoma, California, and ending in Charlotte, North Carolina, crossing 11 states in just nine days.

CHARLOTTE, N.C., February 19, 2026 – Former NASCAR driver and current racing analyst Kyle Petty today officially announced the complete route and overnight stops for the 30th Anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America (KPCRAA). For the milestone edition, the 30th Anniversary KPCRAA will truly cross the United States, starting in Sonoma, California, on May 1, 2026, and concluding in Charlotte, North Carolina, on May 9, 2026.

The 30th Anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America will be book-ended by trips to two iconic Speedway Motorsports (SM) racetracks, Sonoma Raceway and Charlotte Motor Speedway, and will see Petty lead roughly 150 motorcycles over 3,400 miles across 11 states in just nine days to raise funds and awareness for Victory Junction – a camp dedicated to providing life-changing camping experiences for children with serious and chronic medical conditions. Since 1995, more than 9,575 riders have logged 13.3 million cumulative motorcycle miles and raised more than $23 million for Victory Junction and other children’s charities.

In celebration of America’s 250th birthday, the 30th Anniversary KPCRAA will ride historic Highway 50, the ‘Loneliest Road in America,’ and parts of the original Route 66, both of which are celebrating their Centennial in 2026. The Ride is working closely with America 250 to highlight iconic stops along the way, and contribute to the “Our American Story,” program in which stories of everyday Americans will be recorded for posterity.

The Ride will also make stops at the original Bass Pro Shops in Springfield, Missouri; tour Elvis Presley’s home and museum Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee; explore the Coker Museum in Chattanooga, Tennessee; ride the famous 318-curve and 11-mile Dragon through the Appalachian Mountains; visit Wheels Through Time Motorcycle Museum in Maggie Valley, North Carolina; capped off with a trip to Victory Junction before heading to Charlotte Motor Speedway.

“The reason I am so excited about this year’s Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America is because this is our 30th year,” Petty said. “America 250 – the anniversary of our great country’s independence, the 100th anniversary of Highway 50 – the ‘Loneliest Road in America,’ the 100th anniversary of Route 66 – another iconic highway. There is just so much to celebrate this year. The places we are stopping – Bass Pro Shops, Coker Museum, Graceland, riding the Dragon – just like the kid’s book says, ‘Oh the places you’ll go!’ I feel like a kid and I’m ready to do it.”

Spectators and race fans along the 2026 route are encouraged to attend one of the Ride’s nine overnight stops or daily pit stops to greet Petty and the riders, purchase memorabilia, collect autographs and make donations to Victory Junction.

Full 30th Anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America Schedule:

  • Day 1, Friday, May 1 – Sonoma, CA to Ely, NV
  • Day 2, Saturday, May 2 – Ely, NV to Moab, UT
  • Day 3, Sunday, May 3 – Moab, UT to Colorado Springs, CO
  • Day 4, Monday, May 4 – Colorado Springs, CO to Wichita, KS
  • Day 5, Tuesday, May 5 – Wichita, KS to Springfield, MO
  • Day 6, Wednesday, May 6 – Springfield, MO to Memphis, TN
  • Day 7, Thursday, May 7 – Memphis, TN to Chattanooga, TN
  • Day 8, Friday, May 8 – Chattanooga, TN to Asheville, NC
  • Day 9, Saturday, May 9 – Asheville, NC to Charlotte, NC

The start and end points for the 30th Anniversary Ride also replicates the first route taken by Kyle Petty and friends during the initial Ride in 1995. The first Ride kicked off May 8, 1995, following the NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway, and wrapped up in Charlotte eight days later.

Among the celebrities participating in this milestone 30th Anniversary Ride are NASCAR Hall of Famer and seven-time NASCAR champion Richard Petty; NASCAR Hall of Famer and NASCAR Cup Series champion Matt Kenseth; NASCAR Vice Chairman Mike Helton; former NASCAR drivers Clint BowyerDavid RaganKen Schrader, and Kenny Wallace; former Formula 1, Champ Car, and NASCAR driver Max Papis; former IndyCar driver JR Hildebrand; TV personalities Rick Allen and Rutledge Wood; and great-grandson of William A. Davidson, one of the Harley-Davidson founders, VP & Global Brand Ambassador Bill Davidson.

Since the inaugural year in 1995, the KPCRAA has had 10 total NASCAR Hall of Fame members and two Landmark Award winners participate in the Ride including: Richard Petty, David Pearson, Terry Labonte, Ray Evernham, Robert Yates, Tony Stewart, Matt Kenseth, Herschel McGriff, Donnie Allison, Harry Gant, NASCAR Vice Chairman Mike Helton, and NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France.

Applications for the 2026 Ride are closed, and all riders have been selected. The Ride accepted 26 new riders, and applications for the 30th Anniversary Ride filled up in record-setting time – less than 72 hours after applications were distributed. All told, there will be riders from 35 different states, plus two Canadian provinces, taking part in this year’s Ride.

“Once you go on the Kyle Petty Charity Ride, you become part of the Charity Ride family,” Petty said. “It’s hard to explain to somebody that doesn’t understand it. We have around 50 people who have gone 20 years or more on this Ride.

“This year we have 150 motorcycles going with us, and we still had to turn people away. It is the hardest thing to tell people it didn’t work out for this year’s Ride.” he said. “We tell those people to come back next year, get on the list, and we will look at those people first. We have two doctors and two nurses that go with us, paramedics that follow the bikes, retired Highway Patrol motor officers who act as our Ride Motor Marshals, we have a hotel and luggage team, a media team, Coca-Cola sends a team and truck with products, Harley-Davidson sends a truck and technicians – there are an additional 30+ people that go with us just to make sure we can ride every day. The level of commitment from our team, our valued partners and many volunteers is really something special.”

For more information about the 30th Anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America or to apply for future rides, send an email to info@kylepettycharityride.com.

The 30th Anniversary KPCRAA is made possible by incredible partners, including Coca-Cola, Harley-Davidson, Racing Electronics, WinCraft, Musco Lighting, Consolidated Pipe & Supply, America 250, Manafort Brothers, Piedmont Moving System, Wiley X, Prevost, Dodge Law, Petty Family Foundation, SoundOff Signal, Headbands of Hope, Goody’s Powder, Blue Emu, Haul Bikes, and Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores.

Additional details surrounding the 30th Anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America will be announced in the coming months, including fuel stops, and much more.

To stay up to date with the latest news and updates about the 30th Anniversary Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America, check out their posts on social media:

For more information about the Ride or to donate, please visit www.kylepettycharityride.com

About Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America

Led by former NASCAR driver and racing analyst Kyle Petty, the Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America is an annual cross-country motorcycle trek that raises funds and awareness for Victory Junction. The Ride is one of the most successful and popular charity events in the country. Since its inception in 1995, more than 9,575 riders have logged 13.3 million cumulative motorcycle miles and raised more than $23 million for Victory Junction and other children’s charities.

About Victory Junction
Victory Junction is a year-round camp for children living with complex medical and physical conditions. Founded by Kyle Petty and family in honor of his son Adam, Victory Junction provides life-changing experiences that are exciting, fun and empowering in a medically safe environment – always free of charge, thanks to the generosity of donors and corporate partners. Victory Junction programming is designed to build confidence and foster independence, helping children, families, and caregivers find belonging and build skills that fuel their journeys far beyond Camp. In addition to onsite sessions, Victory Junction’s OUTREACH program delivers Camp experiences to children in hospitals, clinics, and community partner sites throughout the Carolinas and Virginia.

Since opening in 2004, Victory Junction has provided more than 150,000 experiences to children from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and four countries. Victory Junction is a member of the SeriousFun Children’s Network, founded by Paul Newman, and is accredited by the American Camp Association. To learn more, please visit victoryjunction.org.

The Little Decisions After a Crash That End Up Being the Big Ones

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

The crash itself is obvious. The aftermath is where people get quietly trapped.

Not by villains. By small decisions made while tired. A missed appointment. A casual “feeling okay” on a call. A quick settlement because bills are stressing you out. A gap in care because life is busy. Those tiny moments are the ones that end up mattering later.

So let’s talk about the small decisions that become big ones.

Section 1: Evidence disappears faster than people think

Skid marks fade. Cars get repaired. Video gets overwritten. Witnesses forget. Weather changes. Construction cones move. The scene that felt unforgettable becomes impossible to reconstruct.

That’s why early documentation matters. Photos, videos, names, locations, notes. The point isn’t obsession. It’s preservation.

Section 2: “Minor” symptoms can turn into major disruptions

Soft tissue injuries can be stubborn. Concussions can be sneaky. Back pain can flare unpredictably. Some symptoms show up days later, then linger longer than expected.

The best move is early evaluation and consistent follow-through. If symptoms change, report them. If new symptoms appear, report them. If sleep is wrecked, report it. Providers can’t document what they don’t know.

Section 3: When claims stop being simple, having a plan matters

Some cases resolve quickly. Others get complicated: disputed fault, multiple vehicles, coverage issues, future treatment needs, work disruption. That’s when the claim becomes less about “filling out forms” and more about building a coherent narrative backed by evidence.

An auto injury attorney can preserve evidence, handle insurer tactics, and build the damages picture so the settlement reflects reality.

Section 4: The vehicle damage story matters more than most people realize

Take photos before repairs if possible. Keep estimates and invoices. Damage patterns can support how the collision happened, especially if fault is disputed. If the insurer tries to minimize severity based on damage, having solid documentation helps counter that narrative.

Section 5: Consistency is the quiet superpower

Insurance companies love inconsistency. It gives them room to say the injury is exaggerated, unrelated, or temporary.

Consistency looks like:

  • Following the treatment plan
  • Showing up to therapy
  • Reporting symptoms accurately
  • Keeping notes on limitations
  • Documenting missed work and expenses

None of this requires perfection. Just steady effort.

Section 6: The nervous system reacts even when the mind tries to be “fine”

After a crash, some people feel jumpy. Or tense. Or weirdly angry. Or exhausted. It’s not always proportional to the visible damage, which makes it confusing.

But it’s common. And it can affect recovery. So don’t ignore it.

Section 7: Prevention matters, because the road is unpredictable

A crash often makes people more aware of how quickly things go wrong. Defensive driving habits matter. Space cushions. Avoiding distractions. Not driving tired. Paying attention on two-lane roads. Being cautious near curves and poorly lit stretches.

If you want a practical breakdown of a particularly dangerous type of crash and what reduces risk, this article on common causes of head-on collisions and how to prevent them fits naturally here.

Section 8: The goal is a clean recovery path, not a dramatic fight

The best claims don’t feel like war. They feel like a process that respects reality.

Clear facts. Clear medical documentation. Clear financial impact. Clear daily-life disruption. When those elements are organized, it becomes harder for an insurer to pretend the harm is small.

And that’s what you want. Not noise. Not rage. Just a fair outcome that covers the real cost of what happened, so you can move forward without carrying someone else’s mistake like a permanent backpack.

What Gainesville Drivers Should Know Before They “Feel Fine” After a Crash

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

Feeling fine isn’t a diagnosis

After a crash, people sometimes pop out of the car and say, “All good.” It’s automatic. Part adrenaline, part shock, part pride. Then later that night, the neck tightens. The back starts complaining. Sleep gets weird. And suddenly “fine” feels like a joke.

That’s why the smartest Gainesville drivers treat the first few days like an information-gathering phase. Not a time for bold declarations. A time for observation. Calm steps. Documentation.

The quick Gainesville reality check

Gainesville roads can be deceptively tricky. You’ve got speed shifts, frequent stops, student traffic bursts, and weather patterns that turn pavement slick fast. A crash doesn’t have to be dramatic to cause real injury, especially with whiplash-type forces.

So after a crash, the most important early step is a medical evaluation, even if symptoms are mild. It’s not about being dramatic. It’s about creating clarity.

The second section that makes the process make sense

When drivers start thinking about claims, they often get overwhelmed by the number of moving parts. Police report. Insurance. Repairs. Medical bills. Work notes. It’s a lot.

A local learning resource like a car accident attorney in Gainesville can help explain how Gainesville-area claims typically work and why early documentation, consistent care, and clear communication tend to matter so much in Florida.

Also, if you want a practical read on vehicle risk and accident prevention patterns that connects to real-world driving behavior, this piece on preventing repeat vehicle accidents through risk assessment is an interesting way to think about how crashes happen, and how small decisions add up.

The small decisions that quietly protect a claim

Nobody likes thinking about legal stuff while they’re sore and stressed, but these decisions matter:

  • Getting the crash report information early so the event is properly documented
  • Taking photos even if damage looks minor
  • Keeping appointment notes and receipts without assuming you’ll remember later
  • Tracking missed work with simple proof
  • Avoiding casual recorded statements before the full injury picture is clear

It’s not paranoia. It’s reality.

“But what if the crash was partly your fault?”

This question comes up a lot, usually whispered, like it’s taboo. Here’s the reality: fault arguments can be complicated, and partial responsibility doesn’t automatically mean you’re out of options. The way a crash is reconstructed can change the fault picture, especially when evidence shows speeding, distraction, failure to yield, or unsafe lane changes by the other party.

The key is not guessing at the scene or beating yourself up later. The key is gathering facts.

The part nobody warns you about: the mental aftermath

After a crash, some people get edgy on the road. They flinch when a car brakes ahead. They avoid the intersection where it happened. They feel embarrassed that they’re rattled. Then they pretend they’re not.

That stress is common. And it can affect sleep, focus, and decision-making. If it’s significant, talk to a professional and get it documented. The goal is recovery, not “toughing it out.”

A steady, realistic approach

Here’s the simplest way to think about the whole situation:

  1. Get checked out.
  2. Document what happened.
  3. Follow treatment.
  4. Keep records.
  5. Move carefully through the claim process.

No heroics. No shortcuts. Just steady steps.

Because the crash is one day. The paperwork is many days. And the best time to protect the future version of yourself is right now, while the details are still fresh and the timeline is still clean.

INDYCAR Expands Global Broadcast Presence for 2026

International Expansion Continues to Drive Global Visibility of North America’s Premier Open-Wheel Series

INDIANAPOLIS (Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026) – INDYCAR is intensifying its efforts in 2026 to reach global audiences during the 18-race NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. A strong network of international partners, including new media and broadcast relationships, will bring the NTT INDYCAR SERIES’ star drivers and signature events to audiences in more than 200 countries and territories.

INDYCAR LIVE acts as INDYCAR’s global direct to consumer streaming service, supporting the broadcast partners in their markets and elsewhere, bringing fans full and uninterrupted coverage of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and INDY NXT by Firestone – every race, every practice and qualifying session as well as in-car camera feeds, highlights, shorts and vodcasts.

“INDYCAR’s growth trajectory is the best in sports and that includes significant expansion of our global availability and new interest from international audiences,” Penske Entertainment Corp. President and CEO Mark Miles said. “This season, 14 nations and territories will be represented in our full-time lineup, and, with that, it is crucial that platforms are available to showcase the intense, wheel-to-wheel action of INDYCAR to their countries and our international fanbase. We are delighted to announce this list of new and renewed partners, who will intensely follow what we believe will be a thrilling 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season.”

Partnerships for the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season include:

  • New in 2026 to Brazil is Band Sport (Bandierantes) after an eight-year hiatus from INDYCAR, allowing fans to witness fellow Brazilian Caio Collet in his rookie season.
  • ESPN continues to provide coverage across sub-Saharan Africa, as well as to Latin America, Brazil and Mexico where fans can support Mexican native Pato O’Ward.
  • Spain will continue to provide premium coverage via Movistar+ and #Vamos, highlighting reigning series champion Alex Palou as he seeks to win his fourth straight and fifth overall title.
  • Sky Sports will showcase reigning NTT INDYCAR SERIES Rookie of the Year Louis Foster in the United Kingdom, and sister channel Sky Sports Italia continues race coverage in Italy.
  • In Germany, Austria and Switzerland, Sky Sports will be closely following Mick Schumacher’s Rookie season.
  • Sky Sport New Zealand will be providing coverage of Kiwis Scott Dixon, Scott McLaughlin and Marcus Armstrong.
  • A new relationship with SBS Sport allows INDYCAR to reach new audiences in Korea for the 2026 season.
  • Viaplay will continue its coverage in the Nordics for fans to follow Danish drivers Christian Rasmussen and Christian Lundgaard, Swedish drivers Felix Rosenqvist and Marcus Ericsson and Norwegian rookie Dennis Hauger.
  • Returning for its second year partnering with INDYCAR is Motorvision, also broadcasting in Austria, Switzerland and Germany.
  • Stan Sport in Australia will allow fans to follow Will Power for his 22nd INDYCAR season.
  • France will broadcast Romain Grosjean’s return to INDYCAR with Canal+.
  • Ziggo Sport continues to spotlight INDYCAR in the Netherlands for fans to follow Dutch driver Rinus Veekay.
  • Additional returning broadcasters of INDYCAR in 2026 include TSN in Canada, RTVS in Slovakia, S Sport in Turkey, Arena 4 in Hungary, Gaora in Japan and Sport TV in Portugal.
  • INDY NXT by Firestone will have also have coverage across the globe with first-time coverage in Poland with Motowizja, allowing fans to see rookie Tymek Kucharczyk in action. Polish fans will also be able to stream all races at the URL tymekkucharczyk.pl. REV TV will broadcast throughout Canada, while ESPN will showcase INDY NXT races to fans in Latin America and Brazil. Further coverage will be provided on Sky Sports in the United Kingdom and Italy, Viaplay in the Nordics and Sport TV in Portugal.

WHAT INDYCAR’S DRIVERS ARE SAYING

“Viaplay has done a great job covering the NTT INDYCAR SERIES the past several years, and I’m glad they’ll continue this season. While it’s a North American sport, there’s a growing global audience which only happens if they have access to watch the on-track action.” – Christian Lundgaard, Arrow McLaren

“It’s cool whenever I’m home in New Zealand and I get to see INDYCAR races be rebroadcasted on Sky Sport. I hope that New Zealanders, can follow closely this season. They have two Scotts (Scott Dixon and Scott McLaughlin) and a Marcus (Armstrong) competing at the pointy end of the field this year. The opportunity to see three New Zealanders lock out a podium is actually very possible this year, so it’s going to be pretty cool to watch and I’m glad that Sky Sport will be there to catch it all for everyone back home to watch.” – Marcus Armstrong, Meyer Shank Racing

“It is extremely important to have INDYCAR back on free-to-air television, especially on a broadcaster like Band, which has a long and rich history not only with motorsport, but also with INDYCAR itself. This helps elevate the category, expand its global reach, attract even more fans around the world and also promote brands and personal sponsors that enable us to be there doing our job.” – Caio Collet, AJ Foyt Racing

The 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season begins Sunday, March 1 at noon ET with the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. The start of the 2026 INDY NXT by Firestone season begins the same day, also on the streets of St. Petersburg, at 10 a.m. ET. A full list of international broadcast partners is available here.