Home Blog Page 90

Mazda on a Novated Lease: Why It Could Be the Smartest Way to Drive a New Car

By
SM
-

Key Highlights

  • A Mazda novated lease bundles your car and running costs into one simple payment from your pre-tax salary.
  • Enjoy significant tax savings by reducing your taxable income through salary packaging.
  • You can save on the GST of the new car’s purchase price, making your dream Mazda more affordable.
  • Novated leasing covers running costs like fuel, insurance, and servicing, all paid for before tax.
  • The lease term is fixed, providing predictable monthly payments and eliminating bill shock.
  • Leaselab simplifies the process, offering personalised guidance for your Mazda novated lease.

Introduction

Dreaming of a new Mazda? Renowned for style, reliability, and performance, Mazdas are popular among Australian drivers. A smarter way to drive one is through a Mazda novated lease—a salary packaging option that offers significant tax savings. Unlike traditional loans or upfront payments, novated leasing rolls your car and running costs into one easy pre-tax payment. A novated lease calculator can help you assess your financial benefits, simplifying your budget and reducing your taxable income. For many Australians, it’s a cost-effective alternative to buying outright. Here’s how novated leasing works and the advantages it provides.

Understanding Mazda on a Novated Lease for Australians

So, how does a Mazda on a novated lease actually work? It is a three-way agreement between you, your employer, and a finance provider like Leaselab. This arrangement allows you to pay for your car and its running costs directly from your pre-tax salary, which can lower your overall taxable income.

This salary packaging solution is a fantastic way to manage your car expenses. By bundling everything into one payment, you avoid the hassle of separate bills for fuel, insurance, and maintenance. We’ll now look closer at what a novated lease is and the steps involved in securing one for your new Mazda.

What is a novated lease, and how does it apply to Mazda?

A novated lease is a car financing option in Australia involving you, your employer, and a leasing company. Your employer pays the lease directly from your pre-tax salary, creating tax savings—especially if you buy the car at the end of the lease. For a new Mazda, this lets you finance both the vehicle and running costs tax-effectively, reducing your taxable income and overall tax. It bundles expenses like fuel, insurance, registration, and servicing into one fixed payment for easier budgeting and a smoother ownership experience.

Key steps involved in securing a Mazda on a novated lease

Securing a new Mazda with a novated lease is simple with the right support. Unlike traditional car loans, a novated lease is managed for you—from choosing your car to handling paperwork. Leaselab offers personalised guidance at every step, making the process easy and accessible in Australia.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Choose Your Mazda: Pick your preferred model.
  2. Get a Quote: Receive a personalised quote with payment details and potential tax savings.
  3. Set Up the Agreement: We coordinate the three-way agreement between you, your employer, and the finance provider.
  4. Drive Away: Once approved, payments are deducted from your pre-tax salary—enjoy your new Mazda.

Financial Benefits of Mazda on a Novated Lease

The financial advantages and the EV discount are two of the most compelling reasons to consider a Mazda on a novated lease. By using your pre-tax salary to pay for your car and its running costs, you effectively reduce your taxable income. This means you pay less income tax each pay cycle, resulting in significant tax savings over the life of the lease.

This method of salary packaging allows you to afford a better car than you might have thought possible. Below, we’ll explore how salary packaging works to lower your payable tax and what running costs can be included in your lease package.

How salary packaging can reduce your payable tax

Salary packaging is what makes novated leasing financially appealing. In this arrangement, you agree to receive less take-home pay so your employer can cover certain benefits—like your car lease—on your behalf. This is called salary sacrifice. Because your Mazda lease payments are taken from your pre-tax salary, your taxable income drops. For example, if you earn $80,000 and your annual lease is $10,000, you’re only taxed on $70,000—giving you real tax savings. This setup lets you pay for your car with money that would have otherwise gone to taxes, helping you maximise your income while driving the car you want.

What running costs are bundled with your Mazda lease

A Mazda novated lease lets you bundle all your car’s running costs—like fuel, insurance, servicing, registration, and tyres—into one simple, pre-budgeted payment. These costs are paid from your pre-tax salary (if the vehicle is below the luxury car tax threshold), boosting your tax savings and eliminating surprise expenses. Even roadside assistance can be included.

Models and Features: Choosing the Right Mazda on a Novated Lease

Mazda offers a diverse lineup of vehicles, ensuring there’s a model to suit every lifestyle, from zipping around the city to fitting the whole family for a weekend getaway. With a novated lease, Australian employees can choose the new Mazda that perfectly fits their needs and budget, all while enjoying the financial benefits of salary packaging.

Whether you’re after the sleek Mazda3 or the spacious CX-5, novated leasing makes driving a premium car more accessible. Let’s look at some popular models available and discuss whether you can lease both new and used Mazdas.

Mazda’s stylish, reliable vehicles make them a top choice for novated leasing in Australia. With options for every lifestyle—from professionals to families—Mazda blends performance, design, and value. The Mazda3 and CX-30 offer sleek looks and city-friendly size, while the CX-5 is a family favourite with its spacious interior and strong safety ratings. For maximum savings, the all-electric Mazda MX-30 E35 Astina qualifies for the FBT exemption.

Popular Mazda models for novated leases include:

  • Mazda3: Great for professionals and city driving; features a sleek design, fuel efficiency, and advanced tech.
  • Mazda CX-30: Ideal for small families; compact SUV with a stylish interior and versatile space.
  • Mazda CX-5: Perfect for families and road trips; offers a roomy cabin, high safety scores, and a comfortable ride.
  • Mazda MX-30: Suited to eco-conscious drivers; all-electric, FBT exempt, with premium features.

Other popular novated lease choices include the Tesla Model Y.

Can you get both new and used Mazdas with a novated lease?

Yes, you can get both new and used Mazda cars with a novated lease. This flexibility is a major benefit. While many prefer a brand-new Mazda, a quality used car can be more budget-friendly, often resulting in lower lease payments. You still enjoy all the advantages of novated leasing, such as bundling running costs and paying from your pre-tax salary. Whether you choose new or used, the lease process is similar: work with your provider to select the car, set the term, and package everything into one simple payment—making it easy to drive a reliable Mazda that fits your budget.

Real Stories: Experiences with Mazda on a Novated Lease

Hearing from people who are already enjoying the benefits of a novated lease can provide valuable insight. Many Australian drivers have discovered that this is a smart way to manage the costs of owning a car, freeing up their budget while driving a vehicle they love. Their experiences highlight the real-world advantages of this financial arrangement.

From simplifying budgets to reducing tax, the feedback often centres on convenience and savings. Let’s look at what current Mazda drivers have to say about their novated lease experience and debunk some common myths about the process.

Feedback from current Mazda novated lease drivers

Drivers with a Mazda novated lease report overwhelmingly positive experiences. They appreciate the simple, transparent process and the convenience of bundling all running costs into one payment, which eases financial stress and simplifies budgeting. Customers praise the excellent service and communication from dedicated providers, noting that ongoing support gives them confidence and peace of mind.

Common positive feedback includes:

  • Significant tax savings
  • All car expenses in one fixed payment
  • Access to newer, better cars
  • Outstanding customer service throughout the lease

Common misconceptions debunked

Despite its benefits, novated leasing for eligible EVs is often misunderstood. Some think it’s complicated or only for high-income earners, but it’s simple and accessible to many employees—especially with Leaselab managing the process.

Another myth is that the vehicle must be used only for business. In fact, a novated lease lets you use your electric car however you like, with no restrictions.

People also worry about changing jobs. A novated lease is portable—you can transfer it to a new employer or make payments yourself until you find new work. The process is flexible and adapts to your needs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing a Mazda on a novated lease can be a strategic decision that not only makes driving a new car more affordable but also offers significant tax benefits. The flexibility and convenience of a novated lease allow you to enjoy your vehicle without the financial strain of traditional car ownership. As you explore various models and features of Mazda vehicles, consider how a novated lease can fit your lifestyle and budget by the end of your lease term. With compelling financial incentives and the backing of real user experiences, it’s clear that a Mazda on a novated lease could very well be the smartest way to hit the road. To learn more about how you can drive away in your dream Mazda, don’t hesitate to reach out for a free consultation!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any tax benefits to leasing a Mazda through a novated lease?

Yes, there are significant tax benefits. A novated lease uses salary packaging to make payments from your pre-tax income, which lowers your taxable income and reduces the amount of tax you pay. You also save on the GST savings of the car’s purchase price, adding to your overall tax savings.

What costs are included in a Mazda on a novated lease?

A Mazda novated lease bundles your car payments with all its running costs, which include novated lease payments for fuel, comprehensive insurance, registration, servicing, maintenance, tyres, and even roadside assistance. All these costs are covered in your single, regular lease payment, making budgeting simple and predictable.

Can I switch my Mazda or upgrade during the lease term?

While a lease agreement is set for a fixed novated lease term, there are options available if your circumstances change. Depending on your novated leasing provider and the terms of your agreement, you may be able to upgrade your Mazda or end the lease early. It’s best to discuss your options with your provider.

F1 Racing Odds and the Biggest 2026 Title Race Questions

By
SM
-
Photo by Roy Tsong on Unsplash

A handful of races into the 2026 Formula 1 season, the championship already looks dramatically different from preseason expectations, with Mercedes emerging as the benchmark team under the new regulations.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli has transformed from one of the sport’s brightest young talents into the clear title favorite, becoming one of the defining stories of the 2026 campaign.

That may sound like the recipe for a predictable season, but Formula 1 rarely follows a straight line. Plenty of races remain, and momentum can shift quickly, especially during the first year of a new rules era and ongoing development.

The 2026 Title Race and Championship Odds

Current championship standings and betting markets tell a fascinating story. Antonelli has built a substantial lead, yet several established stars remain within striking distance if performance gaps begin to change.

The standings tell part of the story, but many fans also follow F1 Racing odds and other motorsports markets to see how the championship picture is evolving.

PositionDriverTeamCurrent PointsTitle Odds
1Andrea Kimi AntonelliMercedes156-390
2Lewis HamiltonFerrari90+2200
3George RussellMercedes88+500
4Charles LeclercFerrari75+2700
5Oscar PiastriMcLaren60+4500
6Lando NorrisMcLaren58+2700

The numbers highlight just how much confidence exists in Antonelli’s position. His advantage is significant under the current rules package. Mercedes has also shown a consistency that its rivals have struggled to match.

Sportsbooks, however, haven’t completely dismissed the field. Russell remains highly regarded thanks to his place in the dominant Mercedes team, while Hamilton continues to draw attention because of Ferrari’s potential for mid-season gains.

Is Kimi Antonelli’s Championship Lead Really Secure?

Antonelli’s rise has been one of the defining stories of the season. His speed has been obvious, but his consistency may be even more impressive. Race after race, he has turned opportunities into points while many rivals have struggled to keep pace.

Mercedes deserves significant credit as well. The team appears to have mastered the demands of the 2026 regulations, particularly in energy deployment and balance. That advantage has helped Antonelli spend much of the season at the front.

Even so, championship leads can feel secure until they suddenly aren’t. Mechanical failures, strategic mistakes, changing weather conditions, and the relentless pressure of leading a title fight can quickly alter the trajectory of a season.

Antonelli has looked remarkably composed so far, but plenty of challenges still lie ahead. One retirement or costly error would not erase his advantage, yet it could significantly tighten the championship battle and shift the narrative surrounding the title race.

Which Driver Has the Best Chance to Catch Him?

Several drivers still have realistic reasons for optimism. The challenge is determining who has the strongest path back into contention.

Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Opportunity

Hamilton sits second in the standings despite Ferrari’s occasional struggles under the new regulations. His championship experience remains unmatched by most of the current grid.

Ferrari’s upcoming development packages could become one of the biggest stories of the summer. A meaningful improvement in power unit efficiency or overall performance would instantly strengthen Hamilton’s title hopes.

George Russell’s Mercedes Advantage

Russell may be the most interesting challenger on the board. Unlike many of his rivals, he has access to the same Mercedes package that has powered Antonelli’s championship charge.

Hamilton’s path depends partly on Ferrari finding more performance, but Russell’s opportunity is closer to home. He already has the same machinery that has made Antonelli the championship favorite, so any slip from his teammate immediately gives Russell a chance to capitalize.

Why Max Verstappen Remains a Wild Card

A seventh-place position in the standings would have been almost unimaginable before the season began. Few expected Red Bull to fall so far behind under the new regulations.

Red Bull has struggled to adapt to the new rules, yet few drivers maximize difficult situations better than Verstappen. The points gap is substantial, but a major improvement from Red Bull would quickly make him a championship factor.

The Teams Most Likely to Change the Championship Picture

Championships are not won by drivers alone. Teams must continuously find performance gains. Development speed often determines who lifts trophies in November and December.

Ferrari’s Summer Upgrade Push

Ferrari appears to be the team most capable of disrupting Mercedes’ momentum. Several upgrades are still expected. Incremental gains may not be enough at this stage. A major breakthrough, however, could dramatically tighten the championship battle.

Can McLaren Turn Pace Into Results?

McLaren has shown flashes of impressive speed throughout the season. The underlying pace has often been strong enough to challenge near the front, but consistency has remained elusive.

The challenge has been maximizing weekends consistently. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri continue to take points from one another, limiting the team’s ability to build sustained pressure on the championship leaders.

Is Red Bull Running Out of Time?

Red Bull’s struggles have become one of the year’s biggest surprises, with questions surrounding its development direction and adaptation to the new regulations continuing to follow the team. Time remains on its side, but the recovery window will not stay open forever.

Three Storylines That Could Reshape the Odds

Several developments could significantly impact both the standings and championship markets, making them key storylines for fans following the latest F1 news and trends.

1. The European Development Race

Barcelona, Austria, and Silverstone traditionally serve as key checkpoints for major upgrades. Teams often reveal their most important development packages during this stretch. Even small gains can have a significant impact on the competitive order.

2. Reliability and Grid Penalties

Championship campaigns can unravel because of mechanical issues just as easily as poor performance. Engine component management will become increasingly important as mileage accumulates. Even a single reliability issue can have lasting consequences.

3. The Physical and Mental Grind

A 22-race calendar leaves little room for mistakes. Pressure increases with every passing round, especially for drivers fighting for championships. Maintaining consistency becomes increasingly difficult as the season progresses and fatigue builds.

The 2026 Title Fight Is Far From Over

Antonelli deserves his status as the championship favorite. His performances have been exceptional, and Mercedes currently possesses the strongest overall package on the grid.

Championships, however, are rarely decided in June. Ferrari believes upgrades can close the gap. Russell remains in the dominant Mercedes setup. Verstappen is still searching for answers at Red Bull, while McLaren remains capable of influencing race outcomes.

The initial races have provided clarity, but not certainty. The biggest questions surrounding the 2026 title race remain unanswered, which is exactly what makes the next races so compelling.

*Content reflects information available as of 2026/06/11; subject to change.

How Motorsport Fans Stay Entertained Between Races

By
SM
-
Photo by David Huck on Pexels

Like with any sport, downtime between big events can be grueling, especially if you’re itching for more. In motorsports, race weekends are oftentimes the highlight of the week, and fans of NASCAR or Formula 1 spend their week waiting for the race weekend to begin, with not much to do.

Luckily, the modern world has more options to keep you satiated than ever before. Many motorsport enthusiasts spend the time between races by reading race reports, using racing simulators, creating content, and even playing new online casino games. This article aims to give you an overview of ways to fill the time between events.

Consuming Motorsport Media

One of the most common ways to stay engaged with your favorite motorsport is simply to consume media related to it throughout the week. Platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, and even streamers on Kick and Twitch offer a plethora of content related to current motorsports events and more.

Alternatively, you can watch documentaries and other in-depth productions that provide insight into strategies, technical developments, and rivalries. These productions, like the film Rookie Season, have become much more popular in recent years as they do a good job showcasing the heart and soul of motorsport.

Sim Racing and Video Games

Video games that specialize in realistic racing simulation have created an entirely new, exciting way for fans to partake in motorsport. With a setup that is extremely cheap by motorsport comparison, you can race with others in games that offer realistic vehicle handling, competitions, and accurate track recreations.

In fact, virtual sim racing has become so realistic that even professional drivers regularly participate in virtual racing events and tournaments. Sim racing is the perfect way to fill the time between events whilst also deepening your appreciation for the challenges drivers face on race day.

Additionally, sim racing allows you to branch out towards other racing disciplines. If you feel like racing stock cars one night and then rally another, sim racing is perfect for you.

Prediction Games and Wagers

Prediction games like fantasy motorsport, sportsbook betting, and online casino games are a great way to stay invested in motorsport. These activities directly encourage players to engage deeply and learn everything they need to develop effective betting strategies and make informed predictions. By analyzing factors such as track history, driver performance, and upcoming weather, a player can tilt the odds in their favor.

The appeal is clear: it rewards knowledge with success in the game or wager. Successful players will need to spend a significant amount of time researching statistics, which naturally garners a more interactive relationship with motorsport.

Prediction-based activities also build excitement for the race event. You will be much more likely to be invested and actively monitoring the race outcomes and events.

Connecting with Local Automotive Communities

Another fantastic way to find like-minded people is to attend events related to your interests. Many motorsports fans attend local events directly related to automotive racing. Gatherings like this are an excellent way to share your experiences and get fully ingrained in race culture. Here are some motorsport events to look out for near where you live:

  • Car Meets
  • Automotive Shows
  • Track-day events at local racetracks
  • Automotive related watch-parties

Conclusion

While race events such as NASCAR weekends will remain the centerpieces, nothing is stopping you from further investing in motorsport. Fortunately, there is no shortage of ways to stay entertained between events. By implementing some of the previous opportunities, you can enjoy motorsport every day of the week, and not just on the race day itself. Technology and online communities have transformed motorsport into a year-round hobby, making it easier than ever to stay connected to the action.

From the Track to the Table: How Speedway Fans Engage With Sports Betting and Online Casinos

By
SM
-

Motorsport and gambling have always had more in common than a casual observer might assume. Both involve the careful assessment of risk and reward. Both require an understanding of variables — conditions, form, equipment, personnel — that most people overlook. And both reward the participant who does their homework over the one who operates on gut feeling alone.

For speedway fans in particular, the relationship between watching the sport and engaging with the broader betting and gaming landscape is a natural one. Whether that means placing a bet on the week’s fixtures, following the BSB or SGP standings for form clues, or exploring the broader casino gaming world that sits alongside sports betting on every major platform, the crossover is real and growing. Many fans also interact with gaming platforms through features such as a Fair Crown login, reflecting how closely sports wagering, casino entertainment, and fan engagement have become connected in the digital era.

This article explores how speedway fans engage with sports betting markets, what the experience of betting on motorcycle speedway actually involves, and how the skills that make a good speedway punter translate to the broader gaming landscape.

Speedway as a Betting Sport: The Current Landscape

Motorcycle speedway — whether domestic league racing in the British Speedway Premiership and Championship, or the Speedway Grand Prix series at international level — is not the largest betting market in the world. It does not generate the volume of wagers that English Premier League football or Australian thoroughbred racing do. But it has a dedicated and knowledgeable following, and the betting markets that do exist are more penetrable than those in high-profile sports precisely because of this.

In high-volume sports like football, the major bookmakers employ specialist traders and vast data infrastructure to set efficient markets. The average punter is competing against essentially perfect pricing. In niche markets like speedway, the pricing is sometimes less precise — which creates genuine opportunities for punters who have knowledge that the markets do not fully reflect.

Markets available on speedway:

Most major sports betting platforms that cover speedway offer a range of market types. Match betting — predicting the winner of a specific heat, race, or fixture — is the most basic. Top scorer and heat winner markets are also available, as are tournament winner and championship outright markets on the SGP series. Some platforms offer live in-play betting on meetings, which adds a dimension of immediacy but also requires faster decision-making.

For Australian punters specifically, the SGP calendar includes rounds at Cardiff, Torun, Gorzow, and other European venues that are broadcast in Australia, and these tend to attract the most betting interest from the Australian speedway community.

Reading Speedway Form: What the Numbers Tell You

Effective speedway betting begins with understanding what the available data actually tells you — and what it does not.

  • Rider averages and CMA (Calculated Match Average): In league speedway, the CMA is the fundamental performance metric. It calculates a rider’s average score per match over a rolling period. Understanding how CMAs are calculated — and more importantly, where they may be misleading (recent injury return, equipment changes, track-specific performance) — is the starting point for serious form analysis.
  • Track characteristics: Speedway tracks vary significantly in their characteristics. Large, open tracks suit riders with high top-end speed and an attacking style. Smaller, tighter tracks reward technical precision and the ability to carry momentum through tight bends. A rider with an excellent CMA on large tracks may be significantly less effective on a small track. This kind of track-specific analysis is rarely fully captured in the headline averages.
  • Weather and track conditions: The condition of the shale surface is dramatically affected by weather. Wet or damp conditions change grip levels, affect machine setup, and can significantly alter which riding styles are effective. Many experienced speedway bettors monitor weather forecasts as carefully as rider form.
  • Team dynamics in league racing: In team speedway, tactical substitutions, rider eligibility, and the structure of heat nominations can significantly affect outcomes in ways that are not obvious from raw rider averages. Understanding the team selection rules and how managers deploy their options adds another layer of analysis.

The Psychology of Betting on Sport You Know Well

There is a phenomenon well-documented in behavioural economics that is particularly relevant for fans who bet on their sport: the overconfidence of the expert. Extensive knowledge of a sport is genuinely valuable for betting purposes — up to a point. But it can also produce a false confidence in the reliability of your predictions that is not matched by the actual outcomes.

The fundamental uncertainty in any individual speedway race — a mechanical failure, a fall in the first bend, an unexpected track change in the break — means that even the best-informed predictions are wrong a significant percentage of the time. Managing this, psychologically and financially, is what separates recreational bettors from disciplined ones.

The practical implication is straightforward: treat your bets as probabilistic statements rather than certainties. You are not saying “Rider A will win” — you are saying “Rider A’s probability of winning is higher than the market implies.” If you are right about this assessment often enough, you will profit over time. Individual results are noise; the signal is the quality of your assessments over a large sample.

This probabilistic mindset is also, not coincidentally, the foundation of good poker strategy and effective casino game play — which is one reason that fans who engage seriously with sports betting often find themselves drawn to skill-based casino games as a natural extension of the same interest.

Sports Betting Platforms for Speedway Fans

For Australian speedway fans looking to engage with betting markets, the landscape is well-developed.

  • Major platforms: The large nationally licensed operators — Sportsbet, TAB, Bet365, Ladbrokes, and Unibet — all cover international speedway to varying degrees, primarily the SGP series and major European league meetings. Coverage of domestic Australian speedway is more variable; some platforms offer markets on major meetings and finals while others focus exclusively on international events.
  • Comparison shopping: Because odds vary between operators, having accounts with multiple platforms and comparing prices before placing a bet is straightforwardly profitable for regular bettors. The difference between 3.00 and 3.30 on the same selection is a 10% difference in return — over a season of betting, this compounds significantly.
  • Promotions and bonuses: All major platforms run regular promotions — bet and get offers, price boosts, money back specials on specific markets. For a sport like speedway, where market depth is lower than in football or racing, these promotions occasionally offer genuinely favourable terms on specific events.

The Casino Crossover: From Speedway to Strategy Games

For fans whose interest in betting extends beyond sports markets, the broader online casino environment that sits alongside sports betting on major platforms offers a range of options.

The games most naturally aligned with the analytical mindset of a serious sports bettor are those with meaningful skill components and transparent odds.

Blackjack is the obvious starting point. The house edge at a standard blackjack table, for a player using basic strategy, is less than 0.5% — the lowest of any casino table game. Basic strategy is learnable in an afternoon and eliminates the guesswork that costs most casual players several percentage points of additional edge. For anyone comfortable with the kind of probabilistic analysis that effective sports betting requires, blackjack basic strategy is an easy adoption.

Video poker similarly rewards strategic play. The correct hold decision for every starting hand is determined by mathematics, not intuition. Players who take the time to learn optimal strategy for the specific pay table they are playing can reduce the house edge to comparable levels as blackjack — significantly better than standard slot machines.

Poker extends the skill element further. As a game played against other participants rather than the house, poker is the casino game in which your analytical and observational skills have the most direct impact on outcomes. The overlap with sports betting analysis — reading patterns, assessing probabilities, managing bankroll across a session — is genuine.

Responsible Gambling: Managing the Total Picture

For fans engaged with both sports betting and casino gaming, managing the total picture of gambling activity is important.

The practical starting point is simple: treat your total gambling activity — sports bets, casino sessions, poker buy-ins — as a single entertainment budget rather than separate activities. Know your weekly or monthly total, not just what you spend on any individual activity.

All licensed Australian operators are required to provide responsible gambling tools: deposit limits, loss limits, session time limits, and self-exclusion options. These tools are more effective when set proactively — before a session begins — rather than reactively after a limit has already been approached.

The National Gambling Helpline (1800 858 858) provides free, confidential support for anyone concerned about their gambling or that of someone they know. Gambling Help Online (gamblinghelponline.org.au) offers both phone and online chat support.

Speedway is a sport that rewards knowledge, preparation, and patience. The betting and gaming landscape that surrounds it operates on similar principles. Approach both with the same analytical rigour, the same respect for variance, and the same clear-headed management of what you are prepared to invest — and both become more interesting and more sustainable activities.

Justin Marks Trades Ownership Duties for Steering Wheel at Naval Base Coronado

By
Official Release
-

Trackhouse Team Owner to Pilot Spire Motorsports No. 77 Jockey Silverado in San Diego

MOORESVILLE, N.C. (June 10, 2026) – Spire Motorsports and Trackhouse Racing team owner Justin Marks will combine for a unique partnership when the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series takes to the streets of Naval Base Coronado June 19.

Marks, a St. Louis native and owner of the Nos. 1, 88 and 97 Chevrolet Camaros, will swap his NASCAR Cup Series team owner’s cap for a helmet, gloves and driver’s suit when the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series mixes it up for 50 laps for the first of three races for NASCAR’s national touring series in San Diego June 19-21.

Jockey, the omnipresent innerwear and apparel brand synonymous with comfort, quality, innovation and trust, will serve as Marks’ primary sponsor aboard his No. 77 Chevy for his first CRAFTSMAN Truck Series start since July 2022 at Mid-Ohio Sportscar Course.

“It’s a unique opportunity to drive in the inaugural Truck Series race at San Diego Naval Base,” said Marks. “I enjoy getting behind the wheel every once in a while, and I’m thankful to do it with Spire’s help and with a longtime partner like Jockey. They are celebrating their 150th anniversary and are very supportive of our military which makes this endeavor even more special. There is a lot of excitement surrounding the upcoming race weekend and it’s an honor to be part of it.”

Separate from his team owner accolades that include over a dozen wins in NASCAR’s premier division and a 2025 victory in the MotoGP ranks, Marks is an accomplished racer with over 80 starts from the cockpit in NASCAR’s Cup, O’Reilly Auto Parts and CRAFTSMAN Truck Series.

Marks, 45, has made 39 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series starts dating to 2007 and earned pole positions at Texas Motor Speedway (2008) and Dover Motor Speedway (2011). Over those nearly 40 starts, he’s logged four top 10s and calls a pair of eighth-place finishes (Homestead 2007/Dover 2008) his series’ best.

While his lone NASCAR win as a driver came in 2016 at Mid-Ohio in O’Reilly Auto Parts Series competition, Marks boasts eight checkered flags in the Rolex Grand-Am Sports Car Series, including a trip to Victory Lane in the GT Class at the 2009 Rolex 24 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway.

“Our relationship with Justin goes back a long way, from his time coming up through the sport, so it means a great deal to have him in Spire Motorsports’ No. 77 Chevy Silverado for this race,” said Spire Motorsports President Bill Anthony. “We know how important this event is for Justin and Jockey, and we’re proud to support that opportunity while recognizing the tremendous impact Justin continues to have as one of NASCAR’s best advocates and forward-thinking leaders.”

The NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series inaugural visit to Naval Base Coronado will be televised live on FS1 Friday, June 19 beginning at 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. The 13th of 25 races on the 2026 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series schedule will also be broadcast live on the NASCAR Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Channel 90.

About Jockey …
Founded in 1876 by Rev. Samuel T. Cooper, Jockey, The Original American Underwear Brand® has delivered feel-good comfort for 150 years. This third-generation, family-owned company operates from Kenosha, Wisconsin, as it has since 1892, and draws on a heritage of quality, innovation, and craftsmanship. Jockey creates elevated essentials with enduring style while committing to making a positive impact on generations of families and communities around the world.

Jockey® products reach customers in more than 120 countries through retail stores, e-commerce, and a global distribution network. Through the Jockey Being Family Foundation and One Mighty Fortress Foundation, Jockey faithfully supports kids, families, and communities, including military personnel, first responders, and foster and adoptive families. Discover comfort and care at Jockey.com.

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

The team, co-owned by longtime NASCAR industry executive Jeff Dickerson and TWG Motorsports CEO Dan Towriss earned its inaugural NASCAR Cup Series victory in its first full season of competition when Justin Haley took the checkered flag in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway July 7, 2019. Less than three years later, William Byron drove Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado its first NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series win April 7, 2022, at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway. The team’s most recent victory came May 24, 2026, when Daniel Suárez won the NASCAR Cup Series’ Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte (N.C.) Motor Speedway.

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

JOHN FORCE RACING TEAMMATES JACK BECKMAN AND JORDAN VANDERGRIFF LOOKING FOR BIG BRISTOL WEEKEND

By
Official Release
-

BRISTOL, Tenn. (June 10, 2026) – Funny Car teammates Jack Beckman and Jordan Vandergriff from John Force Racing will be racing for two trophies at this weekend’s Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, starting when they face off on Friday at scenic Bristol Dragway to complete last weekend’s race in New England.

Beckman, the 2013 Funny Car world champion, and his teammate, Funny Car newcomer Vandergriff, who won last month in Valdosta, will be racing on Friday in Bristol in the delayed Epping final.

The JFR teammates will face off under the lights on Friday during the second session of qualifying. Fans will be treated to a thrilling nitro session at night racing with Beckman and Vandergriff matching up in Funny Car, while Top Fuel points leader Shawn Langdon will take on Leah Pruett.

It also means Beckman and Vandergriff both have a chance to win Friday, pick up a Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge victory on Saturday and add a Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals triumph on Sunday.

“Q2 will be the night run and the hero shot,” said Beckman, driver of the PEAK Chevrolet SS Funny Car. “I’ve always raced smart, which means you qualify shallow. It gives you the best possible elapsed time because you get to move further before it starts your elapsed time.

“Well, because Q2 is also going to count for qualifying and likely is going to be the best conditions we see in qualifying, I’m going to treat that aspect of it like a qualifying run. But it’s a big deal because it’s also the final round of the Epping national event. It was tough to lose the momentum to not finish it in New England, but the fact is we’re going to finish it at Bristol, they’re going to give a trophy to someone and I sure hope it’s the PEAK Squad.”

Vandergriff wheels the Cornwell Tools Chevrolet SS Funny Car and has been on an impressive run. He earned his first NHRA win this season when he won the NHRA Southern Nationals at NHRA’s debut at South Georgia Motorsports Park and he also picked up his first career No. 1 qualifier last weekend in Epping.

He’ll look for the biggest weekend of his young career in Bristol and Vandergriff, who is third in points, also has a chance to move into the points lead ahead of leader Ron Capps with a successful three days.

“I’m trying to keep my mind in race day mode this whole week,” Vandergriff said. “We were left with a cliffhanger at the end of Sunday. I thought about it Sunday night and I was like, ‘Well, I’m going to have to hit the ground running on Friday and be ready to race.’ So, I’m trying to really keep my mind in race mode. I haven’t really allowed myself to think that Epping is over, so I’m just staying ready for Friday night that way.”

This year’s annual visit to Thunder Valley combines the NHRA’s 75th anniversary celebration with the 25th annual race at Bristol Dragway. It is the ninth of 20 events during the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season and will feature several highlights throughout the race weekend:

  • An appearance from NHRA fan-favorite Top Fuel driver Clay Millican as well as NHRA legend Darrell Gwynn. Millican’s memorable 2017 Bristol win on Father’s Day weekend will be celebrated as the race’s historic moment, a theme that will take place at all races in 2026.
  • On Sunday, a free, limited-edition NHRA pennant will be given to the first 4,000 fans in attendance to take in eliminations.

In 2025, Steve Torrence (Top Fuel), Capps (Funny Car), Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) and Richard Gadson (Pro Stock Motorcycle) all won in Bristol. This season’s Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals will be broadcast on FS1, including eliminations starting at 3:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, June 14.

The Top Fuel final from Epping will feature dominant points leader Langdon and surging Pruett on Friday. Langdon has won three straight races for Kalitta Motorsports, while Pruett is after her first win since returning to the sport this year. Other marquee names to watch in the Top Fuel ranks this year includes reigning world champion Doug Kalitta, racing legend Tony Stewart, Gainesville winner Josh Hart, rookie sensation Maddi Gordon, Antron Brown, Justin Ashley and Clay Millican.

Six-time world champ Anderson made history last season when he secured his 1,000th round win en route to the win over Dallas Glenn, who is the points leader and reigning champ. Erica Enders, Matt Hartford and Greg Stanfield are after wins as well.

Gadson, the reigning world champ and points leader, hopes to repeat, but will be challenged by Maryland winner Angie Smith, Jianna Evaristo and Steve Johnson.

The event will also feature the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, the JBS Equipment NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by Elite Motorsports and Flexjet NHRA Factory Stock Showdown. After final qualifying on Saturday, fans can attend a special autograph session at the Bristol Dragway Welcome Tent in the midway.

Bristol race fans can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that introduce each driver and includes the fan favorite SealMaster Track Walk and congratulate the winners at the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday. As always, fans get a pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. They can visit NHRA’s Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and vendors create an exciting atmosphere.

NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series qualifying will feature two rounds at 5 and 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday, June 12, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, June 13 at 12:30 and 3 p.m. Eliminations will begin at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday, June 14. Television coverage includes qualifying action at 8:00 p.m. ET on Friday and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday on FS1, leading into eliminations at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday.

To purchase tickets to the NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, fans can visit NHRA.com/tickets. For more information on NHRA, please visit 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.

SHAWN LANGDON RIDING HOT STREAK INTO SUPER GRIP NHRA THUNDER VALLEY NATIONALS

By
Official Release
-
Shawn Langdon is having a great season in NHRA Top Fuel, with four victories. He's looking for wins 4 and 5 this weekend Bristol Dragway.

HAS OPPORTUNITY TO EARN MULTIPLE VICTORIES AT BRISTOL DRAGWAY

BRISTOL, Tenn. (June 10, 2026) – This past Sunday afternoon, Mother Nature hit the pause button on the runaway freight train that Top Fuel driver Shawn Langdon’s season has become in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series.

Next stop for Langdon: historic Bristol Dragway in Tennessee. A late cluster of thunderstorms moved into the Epping, New Hampshire area this past Sunday and the Top Fuel final round was put on hold by NHRA officials and the plan is to resume that race Friday evening at Bristol.

Langdon will face Leah Pruett under the lights Friday at Bristol as the Southern California native tries to stretch his season winning streak to four wins in a row. If he’s successful, then two days later he will try to go for five in a row as he sets his Sunday sights on the Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals eliminations. He has another opportunity to cash in on Saturday through the bonus race, the Mission #2Fast#2Tasty Challenge.

Langdon is confident in his Kalitta Motorsports team led by crew chief Brian Husen and also his national record-setting Kalitta Air dragster. A few weeks ago, in South Georgia, Langdon posted a jaw-dropping speed of 345 mph, the fastest official speed clocked in NHRA history, which was later certified by NHRA as a national record.

Langdon would’ve loved to finish the job in New Hampshire but he’s also flexible and patient enough to handle Mother Nature’s demands and accept the challenge of completing the New England Nationals at Bristol.

“We had a really good car (at Epping),” Langdon said. “We ran well and qualified number one. We had a little hiccup in the first round with my reaction time, and I was pretty mad at myself. I felt like our team rebounded very well in the second round and semifinals, and I felt pretty good about the final. We can’t control weather, so we’ll head to Bristol, start going through some notes and get prepared there.”

Indeed, it will be a busy weekend for Langdon at the 25th annual Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals. A two-time winner there in the past in three final rounds, Langdon and his crew will be busy in Friday’s first qualifying session exploring the brand-new concrete launch pad at Bristol Dragway that was recently installed in the off-season.

“Bristol Dragway is one of the most beautiful, scenic racetracks on tour, and we’ve had some success there in the past,” said Langdon, who beat Tony Schumacher in the 2016 Bristol final and Doug Kalitta in the 2014 Bristol final. He lost to Justin Ashley in his other Bristol final in 2022.

“It’s a great area,” Langdon continued. “I love going there, and the track should be really good. Big props to Thunder Valley and NHRA for resurfacing the track to give the fans the best possible show. A lot of it will still be temperature dependent with the elevation, but hopefully, it’s smoother and will allow us to run a little bit quicker. If the conditions cooperate Friday night, we could be able to go pretty fast.”

Langdon got off to a fast start to the season by winning in Phoenix in mid-March from the No. 1 qualifying position. He then hit his hot streak by collecting a trio of victories in a row at South Georgia Motorsports Park, Route 66 Raceway near Chicago and Budds Creek, Maryland. He comes into Bristol looking for two more national event victories with a nice points lead.

“Winning cures about everything; this year’s been unbelievable,” Langdon said. “We had one little hiccup at the first race (Gatornationals, lost first round), but that’s just how good the team is – they bounced back, and won three in a row. When this kind of thing happens, you just ride the wave because you never know how long it’ll last. A couple years ago, we didn’t finish in the top 10, and now we won three in a row. You ride the wave, enjoy it and soak it in, but you know what? The first thing we’re gonna do is get back, analyze it, and try to be better for the next race.”

Langdon says the secret to his Kalitta Motorsports team’s success is a ton of hard work and a veteran tour-tested crew who believes in each other.

“To win races, you have everything in place, and to win multiple races, you have to have everything perfect,” Langdon said. “The car has to be put together perfectly every time, and the crew chief has to make perfect calls. We’re doing that right now. We have a really good group from top to bottom; there’s no weak links. When I sit in the race car, I put the pressure on myself as far as not being the weak link on the team – don’t want to give anything up on the starting line because I know I have a bad ass race car. I just try to do the best I can and not hold anybody back.”

As always, fans will have the opportunity to interact with their favorite drivers as they’re granted an exclusive pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. This unique opportunity in motorsports gives fans direct access to the teams, allowing them to see firsthand the highly-skilled mechanics service their hot rods between rounds, and get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers.

In addition to Langdon, fans will get to see plenty of NHRA stars during the weekend, like recent Bristol winners Austin Prock, Justin Ashley, Doug Kalitta, a three-time Bristol winner, motorsports icon Tony Stewart, who is making his third Bristol Dragway start, three-time champ Antron Brown, Virginia cattle rancher and four-time world champ Matt Hagan.

On Friday night, in addition to night qualifying and fireworks, fans will be treated to some bonus racing with the held-over final rounds from last weekend’s NHRA New England Nationals in New Hampshire. In addition to the aforementioned Langdon-Pruett Top Fuel pairing, Jordan Vandergriff will line up against Jack Beckman to settle the carried-over Funny Car final. This is the second time in history that delayed finals from New England have moved to Bristol.

The high-revving Pro Stock category returns to action at Bristol with some new faces leading the way including points leader Dallas Glenn, the father-son tandem of Greg and Aaron Stanfield and two-time season winner Matt Hartford. Meanwhile, series veterans and multi-time champs Greg Anderson, Erica Enders and Jeg Coughlin Jr. are ready to return to their winning ways. Anderson, Enders and Coughlin Jr. are all three-time Pro Stock winners at Bristol.

The 200-mph Pro Stock Motorcycle class also returns this season and Bristol has produced five winners in five seasons: Richard Gadson, Gaige Herrera, Steve Johnson, Angelle Sampey and Jerry Savoie. Matt Smith and Angie Smith, Chase Van Sant, John Hall, Ryan Oehler and Clayton Howey are all top contenders.

The JBS Equipment Pro Mod Drag Racing Series also will return to Bristol Dragway along with the NHRA Lucas Oil Series and the Factory Stock Showdown.

Fans also will want to visit NHRA’s popular Nitro Alley and Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and race vendors create a carnival atmosphere, with interactive displays, simulated competitions, merchandise, food and fun for the entire family.

There are three major events that fans definitely won’t want to miss, including Friday’s Nitro at Night qualifying session where the Top Fuel dragsters and Funny Cars “light their candles” and power down the drag strip at more than 330-mph as flames erupt out of their header pipes. That session is scheduled to begin at 8:30 p.m. A brilliant fireworks show will complete the racing on Friday.

On Saturday, race officials will host the popular Fan Fest in the Pits, where many of the top drivers are available to meet with fans and sign autographs. This event begins 30 minutes after the final nitro qualifying session and is held in the large Guest Welcome Center tent in the pro pit area near the second tunnel.

The other is the Sealmaster TrackWalk on Sunday morning prior to pre-race ceremonies. Join NHRA drivers and NHRA officials as they walk the famed Bristol Dragway quarter-mile strip before racing begins.

Qualifying for the Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals begins Friday, June 12 with a pair of pro sessions, the first at 6 p.m. and the second under the lights at 8 p.m. The final two rounds of qualifying are set for Saturday, June 13, at 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. and will include the popular bonus program Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge. Final eliminations are scheduled for noon on Sunday, June 14.

Friday’s 90-minute qualifying show will air on FS1 at 8 p.m. (ET), and be followed by another hour qualifying show on Sunday at 2 p.m. (ET), also on FS1. Sunday’s three-hour final eliminations show will air at 3 p.m. (ET) on FS1.

Single-day Friday tickets start as low as $35 for adults. Saturday adult tickets start at $60 and Sunday’s tickets start at $50. All grandstand tickets for kids 12 and under are free on Friday and $12 each day on the weekend with a paid adult. Discounted weekend packages and limited premium seating are also available.

To purchase your reserved seats, call Bristol Dragway at (866) 415-4158. Tickets also are available online by visiting the BMS website.

About Bristol Dragway

Affectionately known as “Thunder Valley,” Bristol Dragway is nestled between two mountains in northeast Tennessee near the Virginia state line and sits adjacent to the iconic Bristol Motor Speedway. In 2026, the historic dragstrip is celebrating its 61st anniversary and is scheduled to play host to numerous major events including the fan-favorite Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, a marquee event in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. Other key events at the Dragway in 2026 include the DER Bracket Series, Summit Racing Equipment Thunder Valley Street Fights series, BTE World Footbrake Challenge races, PDRA Thunder Valley Throwdown, JEG Summer Fling, RAD Fall Fling 500K, and the NHRA Jr. Drags Eastern Conference Finals. Bristol Dragway also transforms into a premier outdoor concert venue for the world’s greatest music performers and becomes The Thunder Valley Amphitheatre presented by Ballad Health. With more than 50 event days each season and serving as the longtime starting point for The Food City Speedway in Lights holiday spectacular, Bristol Dragway continues to be one of the busiest drag racing facilities in the nation. For more information, please visit www.bristolmotorspeedway.com/dragway.

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB: POCONO RACE PREVIEW

By
Official Release
-

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB:
POCONO RACEWAY PRE-RACE ADVANCE
EVENT: Great American Getaway 400 presented by VISITPA.com
DATE: June 14, 2026
Race: NASCAR Cup Series 16 of 36
TRACK: Pocono (Pa.) Raceway | 2.5-Mile, Triangular Oval

JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK
NO. 42 PYE-BARKER FIRE & SAFETY TOYOTA CAMRY XSE
JHN AT POCONO: John Hunter Nemechek has four NASCAR Cup Series starts at Pocono and earned his best finish of sixth in last year’s June race. In his three starts in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, Nemechek earned a highest finish of seventh in June 2018. In his five starts in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, he has an average finish of sixth, comprised of three top-five finishes, including a race win in June 2021.

TRIANGLE TRUCK WINNER: In June 2021, Nemechek took home the checkered flag in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series after starting seventh. He led 12 out of 60 laps and won with a 1.337 second margin of victory over Kyle Busch. Nemechek was running a fulltime season in the Truck Series, and Pocono marked his fifth and final win that season.

T-MACK AT POCONO: Sunday’s race will be crew chief Travis Mack’s eighth NASCAR Cup Series race at the 2.5-mile triangular oval at Pocono. His first outing came in May 2018 with Kasey Kahne. Mack returned to Pocono with Daniel Suárez in the 2021 season. The duo competed in three races together through the end of 2023 and earned a highest finish of third in June 2022. In 2024, Mack returned with A.J. Allmendinger. In June 2025, Mack called his first race at Pocono with Nemechek and earned a sixth-place finish. In the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, Mack has two starts with Michael Annett and earned an eighth-place finish in June 2019 and a fifth-place finish in June 2020.

JOHN HUNTER NEMECHEK QUOTE:
“We had great a great race in Pocono last year, and we had a lot of speed in Michigan last week. I’m ready to bounce back and I feel like Pocono will be a great place to show all of the hard work the No. 42 team has been putting in and bring home a good finish.”

TRAVIS MACK QUOTE:
“Pocono was one of our best races last year. We qualified top-five, and definitely had a top-five car, but finished sixth. Hopefully we can take the speed we had in Michigan and what we learned at our test in Indy last week and apply it to Pocono. I’m feeling good about the weekend.”

ERIK JONES
NO. 43 DOLLAR TREE TOYOTA CAMRY XSE
RUNNER-UP AT MICHIGAN: Erik Jones is riding a wave of momentum after finishing second at his home track of Michigan International Speedway last Sunday. After qualifying 10th, Jones had to drop to the rear of the field for unapproved adjustments and ultimately started 37th. He rocketed forward from the drop of the green flag though – finding himself in 15th by the end of Stage 1 and second by the end of Stage 2. After running consistently in the top-10 for the final stage, Jones worked his way up to second in the final laps of the race. Unable to catch Denny Hamlin who had over a 10-second lead without a caution, Jones ultimately had to settle for a second-place finish. It was his first top-five in a points-paying race this year and his second overall in 2026 with a third-place finish in the NASCAR All-Star Race at Dover (Del.) Motor Speedway.

JONES POCONO STATS: Sunday’s The Great American Getaway 400 Presented by VISITPA.COM at Pocono Raceway will mark Jones’ 15th NASCAR Cup Series start at the 2.5-mile triangular track. In his 13 prior starts, he owns five top-five finishes and eight top-10s. His best finish of second came in July 2019 where he finished just 0.341 seconds behind his then-teammate Denny Hamlin. Jones has not finished worse than 14th at the track since his 31st place result in the second of the Pocono doubleheader in June 2021. Jones has an additional four starts outside of the Cup Series at Pocono – one in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and three in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. In his lone O’Reilly Auto Parts Series start, Jones started from the pole in June 2016 but ultimately finished second to Kyle Larson under caution. His best finish in the Trucks Series came in July 2018 after starting 31st to finish second just 1.469 seconds behind Kyle Busch.

LATE MODEL AT BERLIN: Prior to heading to the Poconos, Jones will make a pit stop at Berlin Raceway in Michigan for the Money in the Bank 150 late model race on Wednesday, June 10. As the 2023 winner of the race, Jones is looking to reclaim his title after issues in last year’s event. The Money in the Bank 150 draws in some of the nation’s best Super Late Model competitors and brings Jones back to his grassroots. Fans can tune in for the race at 5:30 p.m. ET with live coverage provided by FloRacing.

PASSTHECONFIDENCE WITH ZIGAZOO: As part of Social Media Wellness Month, Jones joined Zigazoo partners National Football League (NFL) superstar Russell Wilson and his wife, Grammy Award winning artist Ciara in the #PassTheConfidence challenge. Jones, who started collaborating with Zigazoo in 2025, posted his video passing the confidence to his at-track family on his social media to spread positivity on social media. Click HERE to watch the video.

ALEXANDER AT POCONO: This Sunday’s race at Pocono will mark crew chief Justin Alexander’s 15th NASCAR Cup Series race the 2.5-mile triangular oval. He earned a best finish of 10th at Pocono with Austin Dillon in July 2022 after starting 15th.

ERIK JONES QUOTE
“Pocono is honestly one of my favorite tracks on the schedule. I feel like it’s somewhere where the No. 43 team has run really strong at in this NextGen car, and we’re riding a wave of momentum after our runner-up finish at Michigan. With where we’ve been running well this year and last year, I feel like it’s really going to play into our hands to have another fast Toyota Camry XSE. We’ve made up significant ground in the points standings the last few weeks, and we’re hoping to continue to do that at Pocono. This track is really a great place to have a good run and even possibly challenge for the win after how we performed last week. We have to have a good strategy and some luck on our side, but I’m excited. I’m looking forward to it.”

JUSTIN ALEXANDER QUOTE
“Last week at Michigan was a big step forward for our team and company. Coming away with a second place finish, continuing our climb in the points, and showing the speed we’ve had over the last several weeks gives everyone a lot of confidence. We’ve built some really good momentum, but we also know we have to keep executing and not get comfortable. Pocono presents a completely different challenge. It’s one of the most unique tracks we go to with three very different corners, long straightaways, and a setup that requires compromise. You can’t focus on being perfect in one turn because it usually hurts you somewhere else. Our expectations are higher now because of the performance we’ve shown recently, but our approach stays the same. We have a lot of confidence going into Pocono and we hope to be able to come out on top this weekend.”

CLUB MINUTES:

JJ’S POCONO SUCCESS: LEGACY MOTOR CLUB owner and seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion Jimmie Johnson owns 38 career starts at the track known as “The Tricky Triangle.” Despite its nickname, Johnson has been victorious at Pocono Raceway three times in the Cup Series – June 2004, August 2004, and June 2013. He also owns four poles, 11 top-fives, 20 top-10s, and 743 laps led at the 2.5-mile track.

KENSETH AT POCONO: LEGACY MOTOR CLUB competition advisor and 2003 NASCAR Cup Series Champion Matt Kenseth also has a strong record at the 2.5-mile track in Pennsylvania. He owns 40 NASCAR Cup Series starts at the track where he won in August 2015. Kenseth has earned four top-fives, 15 top-10s, and led 100 laps over the course of his career.

“THE KING” WINS AT POCONO: LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Ambassador and seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Richard Petty is also a winner at Pocono. He has two victories at the track from August 1974 and August 1976. As a testament to his strong runs at Pocono, Petty also owns eight top-fives, 12 top-10s and has led 497 laps.

SOCIAL SPOTLIGHT:

CLUB APPEARANCES:
Erik Jones will visit the fan zone on Saturday, June 13 at 11 a.m. local time for a Q&A session at the fan fair stage.

John Hunter Nemechek will visit the trackside merchandise trailer on Sunday, June 14 at 12:30 p.m. local time for an autograph session.

TUNE IN:
Fans can tune in to watch the Great American Getaway 400 presented by VISITPA at Pocono Raceway on Sunday, June 14 at 3 p.m. EDT on Amazon Prime, MAX, MRN, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Channel 90).

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. Johnson also races on a limited basis in the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE. With NASCAR legend and Hall of Famer Richard Petty, “The King”, serving as CLUB Ambassador, LEGACY MC blends timeless racing traditions with a new forward-thinking vision. As an inclusive community for motorsport enthusiasts, LEGACY MC honors both its storied past and the promising future of its members, always striving for victory and championship glory at the pinnacle of NASCAR competition.

NASCAR at Pocono Weekend Schedule

By
Angie Campbell
-
Credit: NASCAR Cup Series The Great American Getaway 400 at Pocono Raceway on June 22, 2025 in Long Pond, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

NASCAR travels to Pocono Raceway this weekend with a full schedule of racing action. The ARCA Menards Series will headline Friday’s action with the Pocono ARCA 150.

Saturday afternoon, the O’Reilly Auto Series will take the spotlight and the Cup Series will close out the weekend with the Great American Getaway 400 presented by VISITPA.

Next weekend, the Craftsman Truck Series returns to action at the San Diego Naval Base Coronado Street Course.

Cup Series Notes:

Chase Briscoe is the defending Pocono race winner.

Denny Hamlin is the returning Pocono pole winner and leads all active drivers with 5 poles (2025, 2022, 2014, 2006 sweep).

Hamlin also leads active Pocono winners with seven victories (2006 sweep, 2009, 2010, 2019, 2020, and 2023).

Hendrick Motorsports leads the Cup Series with 19 wins among nine drivers at Pocono:
Jeff Gordon (six)
Tim Richmond (three)
Jimmie Johnson (three)
Dale Earnhardt Jr. (two)
Kasey Kahne (one)
Geoff Bodine (one)
Terry Labonte (one)
Alex Bowman (one)
Chase Elliott (one)

O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Notes  

Justin Allgaier leads all drivers with 129 laps led and 4 stage wins at Pocono.  

JR Motorsports has had at least one car finish in the Top 10 in 73 consecutive races. It is the second-longest streak all-time.

Pocono seems to favor the young, as no driver over the age of 30 has won at Pocono in the last seven races.

Three previous Pocono winners will be racing this weekend:
2023 – Austin Hill
2019, 2024 – Cole Custer
2025 – Connor Zilisch

Cole Custer, with two victories, is the only repeat winner in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at Pocono.

Friday, June 12

Noon: ARCA Practice
1 p.m.: ARCA Qualifying
3 p.m.: Pocono ARCA 150
60 Laps, 150 Miles
Fox One/FS1/MRN/SiriusXM

Saturday, June 13

10:30 a.m.: O’Reilly Auto Parts Practice – CW App
11:35 a.m.: O’Reilly Auto Parts Qualifying – CW App
1 p.m.: Cup Series Practice – Prime/MRN/SiriusXM
2:10 p.m.: Cup Series Qualifying – Prime/MRN/SiriusXM
Post Cup Series Qualifying – NASCAR Press Pass

4 p.m.: O’Reilly Auto Parts MillerTech Battery 250
Stages end on laps 25/50/100 = 250 Miles
CW/MRN/SiriusXM
Purse: $1,653,590
Post Race: NASCAR Press Pass

Sunday, June 14

1 21 p.m.: Great American Getaway 400 presented by VISITPA
Stages end on laps 30/95/160 = 400 Miles
Prime/HBO Max/MRN/SiriusXM Purse: $11,233,037
Post Race: NASCAR Press Pass

*All times are Eastern.

Impending Arrival of World Champion Lotte van Drunen Injects More Excitement into Must-See WMX Round from Thunder Valley

By
Official Release
-
Reigning back-to-back FIM Women's Motocross World Champion Lotte van Drunen, of the Netherlands, will make her U.S. debut at the second round of the 2026 season from Thunder Valley. Photo: De Baets Yamaha MX Team

Second Stop of 2026 Season Poised to be Most Competitive Race Yet

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (June 10, 2026) – After a thrilling opening round, the 2026 Women’s Motocross Championship Powered by Synchrony (WMX) received an added jolt of excitement with this week’s breaking news that reigning back-to-back FIM Women’s Motocross World Champion Lotte van Drunen will make the overseas journey to compete against stars of the WMX. The 18-year-old Dutch phenom will join the fray starting this weekend, at the second round from Thunder Valley Motocross Park in Lakewood, Colorado, as part of the Toyota Thunder Valley National Presented by American Petroleum Institute.

“We are thrilled to welcome Lotte van Drunen to the U.S. to compete in the Women’s Motocross Championship Powered by Synchrony. The opportunity to add a two-time World Champion into the mix serves as yet another milestone for this series and is a testament to the talent of our athletes,” said Christina Denney, WMX Director. “This is confirmation that the world is watching WMX and it’s incredibly rewarding to know we’re building a championship that the most elite racers from across the globe want to be a part of.”

Leading the field into action in the mile-high altitude of Thunder Valley is Altus Motorsports bLU cRU Yamaha’s Lachlan Turner, who began her quest for a third straight WMX crown with a hard-fought 1-1 performance at the opening round this past weekend from Hangtown in Northern California. While Turner ultimately walked away with a sweep of the motos, it didn’t come easy as Quad Lock Honda’s Charli Cannon went bar-to-bar with Turner in each moto and nearly came away with a 1-1 sweep of her own if not for some self-inflicted misfortune. The 20-year-old Australian has yet to enjoy the thrill of victory since coming to the U.S., but if she continues to race at the level she showed at the opening round and avoids miscues, that winless distinction seems destined to end. While Turner and Cannon reached a level of their own at Hangtown, it was hard to not take notice of strong starts to the season for SLR Honda’s Mikayla Nielsen, 20, multi-time champion Jordan Jarvis, 25, and Partzilla Blaster Power PRMX Kawasaki’s Taylah McCutcheon, 21, who made her U.S. debut coming over from Australia.

The addition of van Drunen to the WMX field is poised to bring even more attention and fanfare to the growing series, with a pair of back-to-back champions from opposite sides of the world set to line up together for the first time. As a result, the anticipation of a Turner versus van Drunen showdown has grabbed the attention of the motocross world and adds even more international diversity to the WMX Championship, which will welcome six different athletes from four countries outside the United States at Thunder Valley.

Sitting more than 6,000 feet above sea level and nestled into the side of a mountain, Thunder Valley Motocross Park is unlike any other venue in American motocross. With an uphill start accompanied by multiple elevation changes, several air-inducing jumps, and an array of technical, rut-lined corners, the track layout provides a dynamic mix of obstacles that flow smoothly but become increasingly difficult as the day progresses.

On-track action for the WMX at Thunder Valley will span two days, with qualifying and the weekend’s first 12 Minutes + 1 Lap moto scheduled for Friday, June 12. The women will return to the track on Saturday, June 13, for a midday warm-up before contesting the second and final moto following the conclusion of the men’s 450SMX and 250SMX classes. For fans watching from home, the second moto can be seen live, exclusively on Peacock, with comprehensive coverage of every moto at the Thunder Valley National kicking off at 12 p.m. PT / 3 p.m. ET.

For more information on the WMX series, visit the official website at www.RaceWMX.com or call (304) 284-0101. Join the conversation on the series Facebook page, follow us on Instagram, and be sure to always hashtag #RaceWMX.
Facebook: @racewmx
Instagram: @racewmx

About the Women’s Motocross Championship
The Women’s Motocross Championship (WMX), an AMA National Championship, features the world’s fastest female outdoor motocross racers. The 6-round series begins with the Hangtown Motocross Classic in June and concludes at the Ironman National in August. It includes stops at premier facilities across America, with events in California, Colorado, Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland and Indiana. These female racers compete in a two-moto format on machines ranging from 125cc to 250cc. The WMX series is managed by MX Sports Pro Racing, a West Virginia-based company and industry leader in power sports event production.
For more information, please visit RaceWMX.com.

About MX Sports Pro Racing
MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc., manages and produces the world’s premier motocross racing series – the Pro Motocross Championship sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing. MX Sports Pro Racing is an industry leader in off-road powersport event production and management, whose mission is to showcase the sport of professional motocross competition at events throughout the United States. Through its various racing properties, partnerships and affiliates, MX Sports Pro Racing, Inc., organizes events for thousands of racing athletes each year and attracts millions of motorsports spectators.
Visit MXSportsProRacing.com for more information.

About the American Motorcyclist Association
Founded in 1924, the AMA is a not-for-profit member-based association whose mission is to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights and event sanctioning organization, the AMA advocates for riders’ interests at all levels of government and sanctions thousands of competition and recreational events every year. The AMA also provides money-saving discounts on products and services for its members. Through the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, the AMA honors the heroes and heritage of motorcycling.
For more information, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.
Not a member? Join the AMA today: AmericanMotorcyclist.com/membership/join.

About the Monster Energy SMX World Championship
The Monster Energy SMX World ChampionshipTM is the premier off-road motorcycle racing series in the world that combines the technical precision of stadium racing with the all-out speed and endurance of outdoor racing. Created in 2022, the Monster Energy SMX World Championship Series combines the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship and AMA Pro Motocross Championship into a 28-round regular season that culminates in a season-ending SMX World Championship Playoffs.
Visit SuperMotocross.com for more information.

About Synchrony
Synchrony (NYSE: SYF) is a leading consumer financing company at the heart of American commerce and opportunity. From health to home, auto to retail, our Synchrony products have been serving the needs of people and businesses for nearly 100 years. We provide responsible access to credit and banking products to support healthier financial lives for tens of millions of people, enabling them to access the things that matter to them. Additionally, through our innovative products and experiences, we support the growth and operations of some of the country’s most respected brands, as well as more than 400,000 small and midsize businesses and health and wellness providers that Americans rely on. Synchrony is proud to be ranked as the country’s #1 Best Company to Work For® by Fortune magazine and Great Place to Work®.
For more information, visit www.synchrony.com.

1...899091...6,804Page 90 of 6,804