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NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin has been very vocal on social media platforms. He has never shied away from making his point on various burning issues. With his 31-year-long experience in the NASCAR premier series, Martin has often called out some decisions made by the company.
From 1981 to 2013, Martin carved out an incredible career on American tracks. Though a championship title eluded him despite close calls in 1990, 1994, 1998, and 2002, he made a remarkable comeback in 2009 that reignited his legacy. Driving for Hendrick Motorsports, Martin gave one of his best performances.
Martin won five races and finished 14 times in the top 5. One of his most iconic runs was in Michigan when he clinched victory despite starting from 32nd place. However, Martin recently triggered a huge Horsepower debate among fans while reacting to one of his racing clips from the 2009 season.
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The Horsepower debate which often haunts NASCAR
Reacting to one of his qualifying clips from the 2009 season Martin posted on X; “I loved qualifying. And man, that car was fast in 09.” His comments fuelled an already boiling debate about horsepower in NASCAR. Fans pointed out the lack of HPs in today’s car by comparing it with 2009.
Notably, since its inaugural race in 1948, NASCAR has been all about high-performance engines. The team’s hunger to show their dominance mainly focused on the engine performance. In the 50s NASCAR was dominated by Hudson Twin–H which produced up to 200 horsepower.
Soon things changed when the Cammer 427 by Ford took the charge in the 1980s. This legendary engine used to produce up to 600 horsepower. Fast forward to 2014 when the introduction of the electric fuel injection system raised the horsepower limit to 900 HPs. In testing, this engine produced one of the top speeds in NASCAR history, i.e. 217 MpH.
However, in 2015, a controversial decision to make cars more competitive NASCAR capped the engine power limit to 750 horsepower. More shockingly, it was further reduced to 550 horsepower in 2019 before being raised to 670. This decision left fans and drivers alike fuming.
Fan fume at NASCAR as Mark Martin recalls ’09 car
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As soon as Mark Martin called his 2009 Hendrick Motorsports car fast fans started comparing it with modern era cars. Fans slammed NASCAR’s obsession with reduced horsepower as one user said, “Man I miss cup cars having b—-s under the hood.”
Another fan pointed out the sound of pre-next-gen cars by saying, “The Next Gen’s have a nice bass to them, but the high-pitched tone that came from these cars was great.” It’s worth noting that the Next Gen or Gen-7 car was introduced by the sanctioning body in 2022.
Long-time NASCAR fans have often complained about the lack of engine sound, which now has become a bit softer. One user pointed out the same by saying, “One lap qualifying. All out. High HP. The car is loose. High pitch noise. The crowd going crazy. High speed. Man, this was a fun time. Sometimes, simple is better.”
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Despite these comments, NASCAR is in no mood to take a step back. Earlier this year, NASCAR’s Chief Racing Development Officer John Probst revealed that the sanctioning body is in no mood to add horsepower. He pointed out implications, especially with the rise in cost.
“If you add the horsepower, you add the cost, then you see if it is better. There’s no guarantee you get there, and it would be any better. And I think there’s some evidence that shows as we add horsepower, they run further apart. There are some that show it’s better … and there are some other shows no, might not be. So that’s a heck of a gamble to take with the entire industry,” Probst quoted per FoxSports.
However, fans and drivers like Joey Logano have continuously advocated for higher horsepower. Three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion had said, “We want more power. It increases tyre wear. It makes the track wider. And it’s more bada–,” He further pointed out that this decision is not coming from the driver’s end. “I don’t know where it all comes from; to be honest with you, I think there’s I don’t know who leads the low horsepower band, but I could promise it was not the drivers because I think every one of us wants to have more power,” Logano had said.
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NASCAR’s bid to reduce overall cost has currently limited the horsepower cap to 670. The demand to increase the horsepower, especially for short tracks, is currently in the back seat for the sanctioning body. However, Mark Martin’s post has once again fuelled the debate and it may turn the tide in upcoming seasons.

NASCAR’s journey since its birth in 1948 has been nothing short of a thrilling evolution. From bold decisions to structural overhauls, the sport has constantly redefined itself. Yet, through every twist and turn, fan loyalty has remained an enduring cornerstone, though not without moments of doubt.
Exactly eight years ago, NASCAR shattered expectations by unveiling a reimagined brand identity. This bold move initially divided opinions, sparking debates across the fan base. Fast forward to today, and what once seemed controversial is now celebrated as a groundbreaking masterpiece in the sport’s rich history.
The changes that defined Motorsports new era
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19th December 2024 marked eight years of NASCAR’s modern era, fans took to social media forums to applaud the 2016 rebranding efforts. Many describe the changes as a bold yet respectful nod to the sport’s history while embracing modernity. In a Reddit post, one fan remarked, “Compared to most logo redesigns, this is a masterpiece.” This sentiment reveals how fans have changed their character to praise one of the biggest decisions in the sport’s history.
However, it all started in early 2014 when NASCAR opened a Pandora’s Box. After a consistent decline in viewership and a lack of connection with fans, the organization decided to make serious changes in its playoff format. They decided to award a direct playoff place to race winners from the Regular season. NASCAR also came up with a new aero package and increased the number of teams in playoffs.
Although 2014 changes were new, NASCAR continued to explore new segments to make a comeback. In early 2016, the league onboarded Monster Energy as the title sponsor which led to the sport’s complete overhaul. As fans used to complain about the monotonous nature of the NASCAR races, the 2016 rebranding wasn’t limited to logo and name.
It included changes like a new charter system. This system guarantees 36 teams a spot in every race with conditions to meet minimum performance standards. In another significant change, NASCAR introduced a new points system. It reduced the points awarded to the winner from 43 to 40.
They also changed the name of its premium series from the Sprint Cup Series to NASCAR Cup Series. Other changes included Overtime Line, Digital Dash and Week-offs, which were targeted to keep races interesting and unpredictable. It’s worth noting that all these efforts were made to regain the lost place in the American market. Now, with these positive sentiments, it feels like NASCAR is once again making its way into the hearts of the young audiences.
The unwavering support of fans keeps NASCAR alive!
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As the organization completes eight years of its iconic rebranding, fans rally behind it. In today’s era, when rebranding often attracts negative reactions, social media platforms are buzzing with praise for NASCAR. This rebranding has changed some hearts as one user said, “I hate most decisions NASCAR makes, but honestly, it’s pretty good for a modern logo change. It doesn’t remove the iconic elements of the old logo. It merely updates it for a more modern era.”
It’s worth noting that NASCAR has often faced scrutiny for its decisions. From the Car of Tomorrow controversy to the 2016 charter model, there have been moments when fans rattled NASCAR due to disappointment. Despite being a demanding fan base, NASCAR’s decision to change their logo after 40 years went well with them.
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When NASCAR revealed its new logo in 2016, some fans were unsure about it due to their nostalgic bias. One user shared the same sentiment: “I grew up on the old one—but honestly, I think the rebrand went better than most companies’ Redesigns—I like the newer one better.” Another user echoed the same by saying, “I have a bit of nostalgia for the old one but the current one is pretty good too.”
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It’s worth noting that NASCAR has changed its logo on five different occasions since 1948. From 1948 to 1955 it used a logo with two cars positioned head-to-head. From 1956 to 1963, NASCAR changed its colour scheme to red by making those cars red. It also painted the surrounding Oval shape in Yellow and White colour. In 1964 company went back to a more greyish blue colour while in 1976 it incorporated its iconic purple strap logo.
The new logo maintained the essence of its traditional design and ensured long-time fans felt a sense of continuity. It also introduced sleeker, modern aesthetics that resonate with contemporary design trends. This helped NASCAR to maintain its iconic nature in this competitive era.

As whispers of rebranding circulate in Jimmie Johnson’s team, you can almost hear the collective raise of eyebrows and the clattering keyboards of social media enthusiasts. Amidst the backdrop of tireless engines and the scent of burning rubber, the team finds itself navigating not just the asphalt but also the expectations riding on its shoulders. With fresh decisions on the horizon and a history that echoes through the lanes, the story of this team is about to take another twist.
However, like fans, Dale Jr. has hopped on the roasting bandwagon. Read on to know all about it.
Legacy Motor Club and new non-racing revamps
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After a slew of changes this year, Legacy Motorclup has come with one more. Well, the news is that Legacy Motor Club’s new logo is out, and fans are not having it. Some went as far as to say the change in logo is not gonna get them speed.
But the worst burn might have come from Dale Earnhardt Jr. Replying to a comment that said, “Definite Piston Cup vibes,” he said, “I see it too.” Jimmie Johnson is the co-owner of the team and operates full time at NASCAR. It has two cars marked for the races. However, the team has a long history. It started in 2000 as Evernham Motorsports and became Petty GMS Racing in 2022. However, last year, it was taken over by Jimmie Johnson, and it was then rebranded as Legacy Motor Club.
The North Carolina-based team has not performed well over the last few seasons. However, the organization is undergoing various changes to improve its situation.
It might be worth noting here, though, that this year, the team has brought in a new crew chief, Travis Mack, for number 42, driven by John Hunter Nemechek. The 41-year-old crew chief will complete the crew chief lineup for the two full-time Legacy Motor Club teams in 2025. He will team up with Ben Beshore, who will keep his role as crew chief for Erik Jones and the No. 43 team.
Mack has a strong track record in his roles within the Clement Racing team in the ARCA Menards Series, where he secured three championships alongside Frank Kimmel. His career continued to flourish at Hendrick Motorsports, where he contributed to numerous successes from 2004 until he took on the position of crew chief for Daniel Suarez at Trackhouse Racing in 2021. Notably, over his 156 races as a crew chief in the NASCAR Cup Series, Mack has achieved one victory, 11 top-five finishes, and 31 top-10 finishes.
Additionally, as far as race engineering goes, the team has hired a new manager, Chad Johnston. He will work alongside Brian Campe, the technical director, and Jacob Canter from the competition team. The new hires might be able to inject more speed into the cars, as Johnston has worked with Kyle Larson, Tony Stewart, and Martin Truex Jr. in the past. He has been behind 400 races in 13 seasons.
There is also some ongoing speculation regarding Martin Truex Jr. himself joining the team to drive its number 84.
Fans demand more from the team
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Though this update isn’t a dramatic overhaul, fans are kind of tired of another non-racing-related announcement. Essentially, the new Legacy Motor Club logo looks like the team pressed CTRL+B on the words.
Additionally, they’ve made adjustments to the shadows on the number fonts, ensuring they align properly rather than staying off-centered as they have for many years under the Petty branding.
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So, when the logo was shared, a fan said sarcastically on Reddit, “That’s it. They’ve done it. They’ve cracked the code and found the secret to more speed.” Another didn’t mince words, echoing the same sentiment: “This feels like a pointless rebrand from last year, and I hope this turns out differently.”
It might be that people are wondering about the purpose of the move from Legacy Motor Club, which has the sound effect of a car swiftly passing by when clearly the team needs faster cars. One fan wrote, “Well, that’s an extra 5 MPH right there. Glad they’re addressing the big issues,” displaying his frustration with the move. Furthermore, there’s a need to preserve the legacy of Richard Petty, which some feel is being diluted with moves such as this. As one fan aptly said, “They threw away the legacy of the Petty name for this? I mean, this is an improvement in terms of the logo, but not by much.”
Adding to the frustration regarding the logo is the fact that this rebranding was heavily promoted for an entire day despite the team’s struggles in the past two seasons. When a fan pointed out that it’s been just a year since the last rebrand, another noted, “Two years, really? They announced the rebrand 1 year, 11 months, and 8 days ago.” And, as far as a logo is concerned, this was just year 3 with a new logo.
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Do you think Jimmie Johnson and Co are doing everything they can to improve performance and move ahead in the right direction? If fans are to believed: It’s not enough!

Richard Petty, the record holder for 200 NASCAR Cup Series wins, recently shared his joy with fans. At 87, he is welcoming two new additions to the family. Petty’s influence extends off the track through his ever-growing family. Among his grandsons, Thad Moffitt, son of Rebecca Petty Moffitt, is continuing the family’s racing heritage. The identical twin grandsons were also born to his daughter, Rebecca Petty Moffitt.
‘The King’ shared this heartwarming news through an Instagram story. He is now a proud grandfather to seven grandsons, which is surely a blessing that undoubtedly brings immense joy to any grandparent.
Welcoming new members to the Petty lineage
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Richard Petty, a name that resonates greatness both on and off the track, is widely known as the King of NASCAR for his records on the track holding a record of 200 Cup Series wins and seven NASCAR Cup Series Championships. He is also the first driver to win the Daytona 500 seven times.
His recent Instagram story resonated with family and fans alike, which he captioned, “The King spent the day with his TWO newest great grandsons. Identical Twins! 💙💙”. This not only celebrates the arrival of the twins but also shows how much the moment means to him. Cheerfully smiling in the story, Petty holds one grandson in each arm. The twins look fast asleep without any worries in the warmth of their grandpa’s embrace. Besides welcoming new family members, Petty’s latest contributions off the track are also commendable.
The NASCAR legend recently made a huge donation to the Victoria Junction, a camp dedicated to children with serious illness, and chronic medical conditions. Petty donated approximately 403 acres of land to the camp. He expressed, “My family and I are dedicated to leaving a legacy. By donating an additional 403 acres, we hope to ensure the camp can continue serving even more children”. This shows the Petty family’s long-standing dedication to supporting children in need.
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Richard Petty’s growing legacy
The Petty family has its roots in NASCAR from way back. Richard’s father, Lee Petty, was one of the pioneers in the sport. Lee was the first driver to win the Daytona 500 three times. After him, his son Richard Petty dominated the sport, achieving unmatched records and being widely known as ‘The King.’ Kyle Petty, son of Richard Petty, won eight races in NASCAR during his career and contributed to the family legacy.
As if that wasn’t all, Adam Petty, son of Kyle Petty, was a promising young driver and the first fourth-generation driver in NASCAR’s history. Adam sadly passed away at the age of 19 in 2000, during a practice session for the Busch 200 race. However, Richard’s grandson, Thad Moffitt, is aiming to make his own mark in the racing world as he works toward a future in NASCAR.
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Looking at the family history, one can see how deeply rooted his legacy is on and off the racetrack. The fans who have seen the family’s legacy passing on are very happy with this recent joyous news. Undoubtedly, the Petty Family’s legacy will be a long-lasting one.

Rick Hendrick, a name synonymous with NASCAR’s success, is a veteran of the sport and the sharpest tool in the garage. When he speaks, the NASCAR community listens. Hendrick shared his perspective on a few things about the sport recently, revealing not only the dark side of the industry but also its cut-throat reality. However, Hendrick’s critique carries a potential upside.
If his observations are taken as constructive feedback and applied practically, they could reshape NASCAR’s future. His words may serve as the catalyst for the transformative change the sport has been seeking for so long.
Rick Hendrick: ‘Evolution’ is necessary
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An interview was dropped by Dirty Mo Media three days ago with NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s wife, Kelly Earnhardt, interviewing the 14-time NASCAR Cup Champion owner. They discussed many issues and topics regarding NASCAR, leadership, and business. But one specific reel from the interview has been making the rounds. In the reel, Kelly Earnhardt questioned Hendrick on the issue of expanding NASCAR’s viewership to a new generation of fans while protecting the sport’s core audience.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dirty Mo Media (@dirtymomedia)
In reply to the question, Rick Hendrick gave a mixed bag of both optimistic and pessimistic answers. Talking about taking the sport to the next level, Hendrick shed light on the slow, fragile process of natural selection and the gradual evolution of NASCAR. Experimenting is necessary for the sport’s eventual survival battle, but at the same time, it requires a sense of balance, according to him.
“You have to evolve, bring in young talent that has that desire to resist the status quo,” Hendrick explained. He implied that it’s a necessity for young blood to replace the old guard, as it will only lead to NASCAR’s growth.
The 75-year-old has been there for decades as a team owner and has witnessed NASCAR go through multiple rebuilds and constant changes in its executive branch. He pointed out the importance of some of the old guard to maintain balance. Having veterans like him is crucial to guide the young blood in a new direction while maintaining the fundamental fabric of the sport. “I think you have to have the balance—you have to have the old guys like me,” he insisted. “Let’s do a pilot; let’s don’t jump in all the way.”
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“I have an old saying—you don’t want to be the pioneer, cause they get arrows in their a**,” he complained. This is a huge part of the problem: experimenting at such a high level is usually costly, and the saying “pioneers die on the very hill they trek” is very fitting to what Hendrick is trying to say here. But then again, his veteran philosophy emphasizes a much more calculated approach, taking into account the concerns and needs of both the old guard and the new generation to create change that both can agree upon.
What’s Ahead For NASCAR?
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NASCAR is longing for a new global viewership, something that only F1 has been able to do so far in motorsports. Hendrick emphasized the need for a young strategy team to cater to the interests of new fans, while the old guard works to preserve NASCAR’s roots. “The older you get, the more reserved you get,” Hendrick admitted, while pointing out the flaws in the old guard. “If you have a good balance of experience and youth, then usually you can stay abreast.” Going forward, this hybrid approach, according to Hendrick, is very crucial to moving NASCAR forward without abandoning its loyal core fans.
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One of the examples that he pointed to was of Ben Kennedy, who has been deciding on the Strategy to take NASCAR forward. Kennedy had a major role in reforming the sport to ensure modernization. He pushed the idea of ‘Next Gen Cars‘ and introduced a more interesting race format. Friction is part of the of the process when challenging the status quo, he acknowledged. But in most cases, it’s ultimately for the greater good. “When you step back and see it, most of the time, it was the right thing to do,” he said in context to retrospection of every change
Globalization of NASCAR would be an inevitability if NASCAR wants to survive and, in Rick Hendrick’s view, the sport’s ability to evolve successfully lies in striking the right balance: embracing innovation without forgetting the traditions that made NASCAR the iconic sport it is today.

Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing had a major breakthrough in their legal battle against NASCAR. On Wednesday, Judge Kenneth D. Bell handed both FRM and 23XI their long-awaited preliminary injunction. With this order, NASCAR now had no choice but to recognize both teams with chartered status for the 2025 season. Not only that, Bell also approved the transfer of Stewart Haas Racing charters to the two teams.
Naturally, NASCAR wasn’t going down without a fight, and they made their intention clear by stating that they would appeal this decision in the Fourth Circuit Court in Richmond, Virginia. On Thursday, NASCAR requested the court delay the injunction ruling. This means that both teams will not be able to transfer the SHR charters until Monday.
Tony Stewart still awaiting for a return on his investment
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With the announcement of SHR’s departure, Smoke was set to part ways with NASCAR and focus on his new adventures. His partner Gene Haas retained a charter for himself to set up Haas Factory Team, but the two owners decided to sell the remaining three charters. The estimated value of the Cup Series charter is between $20-25 million, and the successful sale of the three charters will leave Stewart with a bucket load of cash.
However, Stewart hasn’t been able to cash in despite Michael Jordan and Bob Jenkins breaking their banks to expand their teams. The ongoing legal tussle between the two teams and NASCAR has made the future of the two SHR charters murky. Moreover, the sanctioning body playing hardball, trying to revoke the injunction, has only made matters worse.
FOX reporter Bob Pockrass shared an update regarding the court’s decision to delay the transfer of SHR charters to 23XI and FRM. “Judge said he will rule Monday on whether to delay enforcement of his order (pending appeal) that NASCAR approve the transfers of the SHR charters to 23XI/FRM. He ordered that if the sales have not been completed, that they don’t close on them until he rules Monday.”
Although the dispute is between the two teams and NASCAR, Tony Stewart and Gene Haas are also being massively affected, and their charters are unclear. Despite the injunction, 23XI Racing and FRM will only be able to retain the charters for the 2025 season. There’s no clarity on what will happen to the charters if the two teams lose their antitrust case against NASCAR.
Adding to the confusion was this statement by the court, which stated that the teams would be able to sell the charters back to NASCAR or other teams. “The Court clearly retains the equitable power to in the future effectively “unwind” those transactions through an order requiring Plaintiffs to transfer/sell the charters back to NASCAR or another team approved by NASCAR.”
However, the judge did lambast NASCAR for filing a late request to delay the injunction when they could’ve made the arguments in the initial filing itself. Not only that, it seems like the court has already made plans to get this dispute settled by the end of 2025.
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The timelines have been set
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It is indeed hard to put a timeline on how long the legal tussle between Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing and NASCAR will last. However, it seems like the court will take this antitrust case on priority and try to settle the dispute by the end of 2025. January 8 is the date set by the court on NASCAR’s motions to dismiss other pending motions. September 19 is the deadline for the discovery to be completed, and December 1 is set as the date for the trial.
“In 23XI/FRM-NASCAR case, a Jan. 8 hearing date has been set on NASCAR’s motion to dismiss and other pending motions. Judge has set a September 19 deadline for discovery to be completed and a December 1 date for trial.” Bob Pockrass shared this update on X. Well, the roadmap has been laid down and it’s fair to say there will be more twists and turns in this legal saga.
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Although the dates for the antitrust lawsuit have been revealed, the fate of the two SHR charters is yet to be decided. In case NASCAR manages to block the transfer of the charters, Stewart will be forced to spring back into action to offload his charters to other potential buyers.

Eight years ago, NASCAR made various changes to its operations and brand identity. From adopting a new logo to changing the charter system it ushered in a new era, adding to the playoff format only two years before that, in 2014. However, one thing that fans often miss is the details of prize money distributed among teams after each race.
Until 2015, NASCAR used to reveal every bit of their prize money distribution in race summaries. It kept things transparent and clear. But In 2016 sanctioning body stopped disclosing monetary benefits and left fans fuming over it. However, recently Joe Gibbs Racing president Dave Alpern revealed key details of NASCAR’s financial structure.
Does NASCAR pay teams per week?
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In a latest Instagram post, Dave Alpern revealed how NASCAR pays teams and how it is distributed among drivers and others. Answering a fan question, Alpern said, “There’s a weekly purse that’s paid out based on our finish in each race. We get that paid monthly by NASCAR and so we pay our drivers and any bonuses out for those.” This incentivizes each driver to finish in a top position every race, even if playoff implications are existent or not. When you see two drivers, who are out of playoff contention, battling hard for the 10th spot to secure a ‘top-10’ finish, it is likely to get a better payout from the race.
It’s worth noting that weekly purse is determined by the popularity of the track. For example, in 2015, when prize details were last officially published, the Daytona 500 had a whopping $1,586,503 for the race winner – Joey Logano. On the other hand, races like the STP 500 at Martinsville had $166,760 for the race winner, Denny Hamlin. Currently, monetary benefits are not unveiled per week, but one can get a glimpse from yearly filings.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Joe Gibbs Racing (@joegibbsracing)
Joe Gibbs Racing president further explained other means by which NASCAR pays to teams. He said, “We also get a bonus at the end of the year based on our end-of-the-season finishing and on the other buckets which are historical and fixed. Those get paid out once a year and get distributed at the end of the season.” Fixed revenue is a consistent amount paid to every chartered team, regardless of their finish. Charters cost a lot and therefore teams need a guaranteed income source for participating in the race. Consistency is rewarded with historical payments that are based on a team’s past performance, primarily calculated over three years.
Besides these, media deals are one of the biggest sources of earnings for racetracks. According to the latest TV rights deal, NASCAR will make $1.1 billion every year. They will distribute its large part to tracks, then to teams. Notably, Fox, NBC, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Amazon will air 38 races each year for the next seven years after securing a whopping $7.7 billion deal with NASCAR.
With so much money flowing into the sport, it’s no surprise that the rich teams keep getting richer. Joe Gibbs Racing’s video succinctly summarized the financial situation of NASCAR drivers. With driver performance indicative of the end-of-season purse, let’s take a look at how JGR drivers fared in 2024.
Joe Gibbs Racing’s 2024 season recap
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In the 2024 season, Joe Gibbs Racing fielded four charters and earned some great performances. Drivers like Denny Hamlin and Christopher Bell won multiple races and made a deep playoff run, while Ty Gibbs and Martin Truex Jr. failed to do so. Hamlin won three races and finished in the top 10 on 12 occasions. Despite having a great start to the season Veteran no.11 driver failed to get his hands on the championship. A string of poor performances in the second half of the season pushed him out of the race.
Meanwhile, Christopher Bell also won three races and finished strong fifth in the final standings. He was an absolute beast in terms of consistency with 23 top-10 finishes in the season. A poor move in season finale turned the table for Bell as he finished fifth and failed to grab the coveted title. The #20 JGR driver needed a last-lap overtake on Bubba Wallace to pip William Byron to the Championship 4. However, as Wallace controversially slowed down, Bell passed him but got stuck in the track and skidded into the wall, riding it in true Ross Chastain fashion. Despite it being accidental, Bell was penalized for a safety violation and docked positions as Byron went through.
Denny Hamlin’s playoff misery was on full display yet again in 2024. It all seemed set when the #11 was leading the race with two laps to go at Homestead-Miami Speedway. However, fate played its tricks with Hamlin and saw him get overtaken by Blaney with one lap to go and then Tyler Reddick overtook both of them to win the race. Hamlin went from championship 4 spot to p3 at Homestead in the blink of an eye. Yet another season without his elusive championship.
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However, going ahead Bell and Hamlin will be keen to continue their dominant run. Hamlin will get a new crew chief as Chris Gayle will replace Hamlin’s long-time partner Chris Gabehart. This will make a lot of changes within the squad as Gayle was currently with Ty Gibbs who finished this season with zero wins and a 15th-place finish in the standings. How do you think JGR will fare in 2025?

NASCAR has never been shy about trying new things to keep fans engaged and improve its racing product. That’s why, in 2023, they took the bold step of bringing racing to the streets of Chicago. Street racing is common in open-wheel racing, like Formula 1, but it’s a major departure for NASCAR, which usually sticks to ovals and a few select road courses. The Chicago Street Course, with its blocked-off roads and big-city backdrop, was certainly a spectacle—but was it worth the investment?
At first, there were plenty of critics questioning whether NASCAR was straying too far from its roots. Shouldn’t they just stick to what works? The goal of the Chicago race wasn’t necessarily to create the “best” street race, but rather to make it a unique, must-see event that fans would want to attend. Fast forward to 2025, and it seems like NASCAR might be ready to move on from the Chicago Street Circuit. So far, the race hasn’t lived up to expectations, and NASCAR is looking at other options for its future.
NASCAR is exploring replacement options
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The 2023 Chicago Street Race kicked off with grand ambitions—live music, pre-race events, and a full-on festival vibe. But Mother Nature had other plans, bringing rain and forcing the cancellation of concerts, and shortening some of the races. Despite those challenges, the event managed to draw 79,299 fans from 15 countries and all 50 states. And while the crowd was a bit smaller in 2024, it still had a major impact on the city, generating $128 million in economic activity—17% more than the previous year.
On the track, things were exciting too. Shane van Gisbergen made a splash by winning the inaugural ‘Grant Park 165’ in his NASCAR debut. But even with a strong TV viewership and economic boost to Chicago, NASCAR hasn’t been able to turn a profit on the race. NASCAR reportedly spent around $50 million on the event in 2023, with a similar investment in 2024. NASCAR President Steve Phelps told Adam Stern of SBJ that while the France family still believes in the street race concept, it’s been a tough road financially.
As Phelps put it, “If it’s the right thing to do to grow the sport, I think NASCAR and the France family have shown that they’re going to invest.” But as the weather challenges mount and profits remain elusive, NASCAR might be ready to cut ties with Chicago in favor of a new venue.
NASCAR has already started exploring alternative options, including potential international venues. One possibility? Saudi Arabia. The country’s ambitious plans for the Qiddiya entertainment city, which will feature a state-of-the-art Speed Park, have opened the door for NASCAR to potentially bring a race to the region. The Speed Park is set to open in 2028, and NASCAR might be in talks about adding it to the calendar.
However, NASCAR’s Chief Operating Officer, Steve O’Donnell, says they’re not locked into any one international location just yet. “I wouldn’t put it specifically on Saudi. We’ve got a finite amount of content we can bring, but I think as you look at NASCAR from an international standpoint, it’ll be more around that Mexico model,” O’Donnell said. That means NASCAR isn’t just interested in one-off races but aims to build a grassroots presence in new markets.
NASCAR’s biggest competitor in motorsports is undoubtedly Formula 1. With the open-wheel racing sport having a global format, venturing into the Middle East was inevitable and in 2004, they had the first Bahrain Grand Prix. Since then, F1 has expanded to multiple locations such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi. According to Nielsen data, the figures showed female interest increased by 11% compared to last year in Saudi Arabia, and 10% among men, with the biggest growth in the 50-69 year age bracket. It’s no surprise as to why NASCAR is targeting a high-income market like the Middle East, with the booming success its competitors have seen.
While an international street race would make a lot of sense it doesn’t seem to be an immediate plan in NASCAR’s books. However, NASCAR could probably look to try a different venue in Southern California.
Southern California is also a possible venue
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NASCAR has also been eyeing Southern California, a region known for its motorsports culture. Could a street race in places like Long Beach or San Diego be the next big thing? While Long Beach has been a successful venue for IndyCar, San Diego has hosted events like the GT World Challenge America, so it’s certainly not out of the question.
O’Donnell confirmed that California is very much on NASCAR’s radar. “We are certainly interested in California and the Southern California market, and that will continue to be a focus for us, but nothing to confirm at this point,” he said. If NASCAR does go in this direction, a Southern California street race could be a perfect fit, especially with the region’s passionate fanbase.
As NASCAR gears up for 2025—its third and final year of the Chicago Street Race contract—the organization is focused on building on the momentum they’ve gained while learning from the challenges they’ve faced. From weather issues to event tweaks, NASCAR is taking it one race at a time. “We’ve learned things each and every year,” O’Donnell said. “It’s our first street race, a lot of learnings came from that. A lot of weather challenges as well. … We’ve made some tweaks to the event format and continuing to evolve that as well.”
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It’s clear that NASCAR is committed to pushing the envelope and exploring new venues, whether that’s in the U.S. or internationally. But with the high price tag of these events, the future of the street race still hangs in the balance.
What do you think about NASCAR’s street race experiment? Do you want to see more street races, or should NASCAR stick to its roots? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

NASCAR has done a lot of experiments in the last decade to engage with a wider audience. From changes in the points system to the introduction of street races NASCAR has been exploring various options to stay in competition. However, street races have been something that attracted a lot of eyeballs.
In 2023 NASCAR signed a deal with Chicago City to hold a race on the 2.2-mile-long streets of Grant Park, Chicago. NASCAR had signed a three-year deal with authorities to hold the race. The inaugural race was won by Trackhouse Racing’s driver Shane van Gisbergen in his Cup Series debut, while the rain-hit 2024 race was won by Alex Bowman.
As NASCAR will complete its first cycle of a three-year deal in 2025 fans are eager to know more about the future of street racing. Now, NASCAR COO Steve O’Donnell has broken his silence by revealing key details about their plans. He spoke about the brand’s plans to continue with the street race in Chicago and explore other options.
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Will the Chicago Street Race continue after the 2025 season?
As the 2025 season approaches O’Donnell revealed that NASCAR is focused on its third run in Chicago. However, he refrained from making any comments about a contract extension with the city of Chicago for upcoming seasons.
In a conversation with Sports Business Journal, O’Donnell said, “For us, we’re just looking at 2025. It’ll be the third year of a three-year run and each year we’ve wanted to build upon the momentum that we have. We’ve learned things each and every year — it’s our first street race, a lot of learnings came from that. A lot of weather challenges as well.”
It’s worth noting that this year’s race at The Grant Park circuit has been very hectic for the sanctioning body. The race was delayed due to rain and other weather-related issues. This caused a lot of operational difficulties for both teams and broadcasters. However, O’Donnell acknowledged the challenge and revealed that it has been a lesson.
“We’ve made some tweaks to the event format and continuing to evolve that as well, so we’ll get through the event, see where things are, but concentrating on 2025 and making that event as successful as it can be,” he said, remaining right lipped on the possibility of a contract extension. This might not fill fans of the track with much hope as NASCAR also has plans to expand its host cities while this race’s future hangs in the balance.
Apart from Chicago, San Diego is another city that can host street races in the future for NASCAR. However, O’Donnell didn’t confirm this either as he said, “We are certainly interested in California and the Southern California market, and that will continue to be a focus for us, but nothing to confirm at this point.” As of now, NASCAR has only one race in California in the 2025 schedule and that is in Sonoma Raceway in July.
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Notably, there have been reports that NASCAR failed to make profits from Chicago Street races in the last two years. NASCAR president Steve Phelps revealed that the brand was not able to recover its $50 million investment from the track. “We’re willing to invest in Chicago financially. It’s a difficult race for us. It cost $50 million to put that race on and we, unfortunately, didn’t sell $50 million worth of tickets and sponsorship. Was it a smart decision for us? I believe it was”, he said earlier this month.
What are the future plans for NASCAR?
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Amid these uncertainties, NASCAR aspires to tap the international market in upcoming years. NASCAR is set to race in Mexico City in 2025 with the aspiration to tap the international market. It will be the first points-worthy NASCAR Cup Series race outside the USA in 67 years of the sport. Apart from that, there have been talks in the industry about a race in Saudi Arabia.
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While speaking about bringing a race to the Speed Park circuit, Saudi Arabia’s NASCAR COO said that his team is not specifically looking at Saudi. However, he revealed that Mexico could be NASCAR’s launching pad for the international market. He said, “I wouldn’t put it specifically on Saudi… I think as you look at NASCAR from an international standpoint, it’ll be more around that Mexico model where we want to look to grow the overall sport and build it within the culture wherever we go.”
With a lot of talks around NASCAR’s future races, the sanctioning body will be keen to attract more viewers. Despite uncertainties over Chicago Street race cities like San Diego remain an option for the brand. However, the 2025 Chicago Street Race will play a key role in determining the future of street races in NASCAR.

23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports’s attempt to secure a foothold in NASCAR’s charter system has hit a roadblock as NASCAR appeals a court ruling which approved the preliminary injunction request from the teams.
The lawsuit, initiated by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, targets what they refer to as monopolistic practices by NASCAR, specifically focusing on NASCAR’s charter system, implemented in 2016, which guarantees teams a spot in races and promises financial stability.
The controversy began after negotiations over the 2025 agreements failed, prompting the teams to file their legal dispute on October 2, 2024, in the Western District of North Carolina. This action was taken against NASCAR and its CEO, Jim France, accusing them of using the charter system to enrich themselves at the expense of competitive fairness.
At the heart of the lawsuit is a preliminary injunction that was granted, allowing the teams the ability to acquire charters from Stewart-Haas Racing to compete in the 2025 season as chartered teams.
Tyler Reddick, driver of the #45 The Beast Unleashed Toyota, Carson Hocevar, driver of the #77 Delaware Life Chevrolet, and Ross Chastain, driver of the #1 Busch Light Chevrolet, race during the NASCAR Cup Series… Tyler Reddick, driver of the #45 The Beast Unleashed Toyota, Carson Hocevar, driver of the #77 Delaware Life Chevrolet, and Ross Chastain, driver of the #1 Busch Light Chevrolet, race during the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway on November 10, 2024 in Avondale, Arizona. NASCAR files appeal in legal battle with 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports. More James Gilbert/Getty Images
However, NASCAR has responded by filing an emergency appeal to stay this injunction, citing severe consequences. In NASCAR’s emergency motion, the organization argued that the injunction would bind them into a lasting contractual relationship, stating:

Although NASCAR might have spread its wings and adopted a modern approach to its brand of racing, the traditional roots of short-track racing have remained relevant. We are accustomed to seeing the racers drive their hearts out on the half-mile tracks. Bristol, Richmond, Iowa, and the Clash at the Coliseum have kept the short-track racing roots alive in the modern era of stock car racing. And going by the latest updates, NASCAR is set to revive another short track.
Dells Raceway Park, a 0.333-mile asphalt track located in Wisconsin, will host the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series from 2025. Well, this wouldn’t have been possible without the intervention of track owner Jerry Aubrey. The motive behind this partnership for Aubrey is simple: to promote more regional racers and help them reach the top level of stock car racing.
What’s so special about the Dells Raceway Park?
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Now short track racing is more than just going round in circles, notching up the best lap times. Many believe that the Dells Raceway Park is “what a short track should be.” Dick Trickle, a renowned short-track racer from Wisconsin, has a perfect summary that defines the short oval. “You drop low in the corners and then drift high on the straights. You try to make the track into the roundest oval possible.”
Over the years, Dells Raceway has been home to local late-model racing drivers. From 1975 to 1998, the track hosted the ARTGO Challenge Series, which was seen as a gateway for ARCA and NASCAR series. In recent history, the track has undergone frequent ownership changes, but Jerry Auby is determined to put the Dell Raceway Park back on the racing map after acquiring the ownership in 2021.
Auby, while speaking to NASCAR, shared his thoughts on this new partnership that will promote grassroots-level racing. “It’s about strengthening the growth of short-track racing in Wisconsin. We can’t lose any more tracks, and we need to have fan-friendly entertainment that people can tie into what they see on TV and see the growth of the sport from the grassroots level and get to NASCAR.”
His efforts have reignited the charm the Dell Raceway once enjoyed. The famous Alive for 5 Series championship, which sees the Super Late Model cars compete in a 5-race mini-series, is a testament to Auby’s efforts. This event also lures in more racers due to its lucrative race and championship purses. “Just having one-off events wasn’t drawing the cars, wasn’t drawing the fans, wasn’t drawing the support that it needed to survive. So we had to make something work, and that’s where the five-race series came from.” Auby explained.
USA Today via Reuters Feb 5, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Drivers race during the NASCAR Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
The 2025 season looked packed for the Dell Raceway Park Speedway with the addition of NASCAR weekly races. The festivities will kick start on April 12 with the IceBreaker 100, the first event of the Alive for 5 Series, and this will be followed by the NASCAR weekly race opener on May 3. This trend isn’t just restricted to the root level; the NASCAR Cup Series will also return to its iconic short track to get the ball rolling for the 2025 season. the
NASCAR returns to Bowman Gray Stadium
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For the first time since 1971, NASCAR will return to the iconic Bowman Gray Stadium with its special event, Clash. The non-points race was hosted at the L.A. Coliseum for the last two years, but the governing body decided to return to its traditional roots. This race is scheduled for Feb 2, 2025, and will broadcast live on FOX Sports.
The Bowman Gray holds a special place in the heart of the France family. The short track has held weekly races since 1949, the same year NASCAR launched its own stock car racing series. Former NASCAR President Bill France Jr. met his future wife, Betty Jane Zachary, at the stadium in 1957. So you see, there’s a lot of history and cultural significance attached to this racing venue.
“Bringing our Cup Series back there for the first time since the 1970s, it’s going to be another historic event. I’d say in a lot of ways, this is going to be an opportunity to celebrate our roots, our history, and celebrate our NASCAR regional series.” Ben Kennedy, NASCAR executive vice president, said in a press release. However, not everything is jolly when it comes to short-track racing, right from struggling with the short-track package and loss of dates from venues like Richmond Raceway.
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Hopefully, NASCAR doesn’t get tunnel-vision in their drive to expand and go international. While the exhibition events and weekly races on short tracks are good initiatives, the same approach can be adopted for the Cup Series as well.

Gaining prominence from Malcolm in the Middle, Frankie Muniz has left Hollywood’s glitz and glamor to embrace the adrenaline-pumping world of motorsport. At 39, Muniz is gearing up for his first full-time NASCAR Truck Series season in 2025, a move that has left fans both surprised and excited. Amidst his high-octane career shift, Muniz recently revealed an amusingly relatable gripe – his biggest pet peeve. And to say the least, this might surprise you.
In a candid tweet that caught the internet’s attention, Frankie Muniz didn’t hold back about one of his biggest irritations. “Maybe one of my biggest pet peeves on the planet is heart hands. I literally gag,” he wrote. Notably, heart hands are a gesture in which people form a heart shape using their fingers. Fans relating to his sentiment or amused by his honesty found his declaration rather odd, with many of them boldly dropping the same emoji in response to his tweet.
As reported by The Talko previously, there is another one of his pet peeves he has talked about. However, most of us would find this relatable, as it is largely concerned with slow drivers. And how does he plan on countering this? Well, he is looking to purchase a motorcycle so he can ride it fast on the L.A. freeway in order to avoid his pet peeve altogether. More than that, it also appears that his frustration is quite genuine. As per a study conducted in Texas A&M, an average person in Los Angeles spends $1,300 a year from lost productivity and shelling out for gas. But he is not alone in having pet peeves.
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Celebrities such as Mike Tyson and Jamie Kennedy also have some unique pet peeves. While Kennedy has an issue with the Mexican fast-food chain Baja Fresh as they don’t give guacamole, Tyson doesn’t like coffee breath.
As Frankie Muniz’s tweet provided a glimpse into his quirky personality, he continues to focus on his burgeoning racing career. Let’s have at look at what all this sitcom star has accomplished in his racing career.
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Frankie Muniz’s motorsports journey
Frankie Muniz is not new to NASCAR and the world of racing. His connection to NASCAR dates back to 2001 when he drove the pace car at the Daytona 500. Notably, that race is remembered for legendary driver Dale Earnhardt who tragically lost his life after a horrific crash.
Muniz has also competed in the Formula BMW USA series in 2006 and in the Champ Car Atlantic Series in 2007. And now, Muniz is going to make a comeback on the racetrack as a full-time driver. The 39-year-old actor-turned-driver will take on the reigns of a No. 33 Ford for Reaume Brothers Racing in the 2025 season.
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Before he decided to make a pivot, Muniz participated in leagues like NASCAR Truck Series and ARCA Menards. In 2023, he participated in the ARCA Menards Series. Muniz shocked fans and critics with his performance as he secured a commendable fourth-place finish in the standings. However, in his four NASCAR Truck Series races in the 2024 season, he struggled to make a mark. His best finish was 29th at Kansas.
Despite these struggles and mixed success in the last two years, Muniz is set to turn heads in the 2025 season as a full-time driver. Do you think he will be able to give better results? Let us know in the comments.

Driving for Hendrick Motorsports means you get an abundance of resources, the best crews, and a platform to shine on the NASCAR stage. But, with this glamorous opportunity comes the demand to win races and championships. This is something HMS star Chase Elliott learned the hard way after making his Cup debut in 2016.
Although Elliott had proven his mettle by advancing to the playoffs in his first and second-year stints, he was yet to notch up a victory. He enjoyed a good phase winning races and championships at the Xfinity level, but once he made the big leap, he hit a dry patch. In 2018, the pressure within the No. 9 team camp was palpable, and nothing less than a win would settle the nerves.
Given Elliott’s strengths, his first Cup win was expected to come at the traditional ovals. He did come close to breaking that winless duck at Richmond Raceway but had to settle for a runner-up finish. 20 races into the season, Elliott had collected five top 5 finishes, and it was only a matter of time before he took the checkered flag. But nobody expected him to kickstart his winning chapter with Hendrick Motorsports with a road course race triumph.
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Here’s how Chase Elliott pulled off the win at Watkins Glen International
Coming in 2018, the winless streak had now climbed to 98 races with the road course race at Watkins Glen on the horizon. At a time when rival camps like Joe Gibbs Racing and Stewart Haas Racing were notching up wins, HMS needed to match their strides. Jimmie Johnson was past his peak, and the team needed one of their young stars to step up.
Chase Elliott was a champion in the Xfinity Series with JR Motorsports, so it was evident all eyes were on the #9 team. Crew chief Alan Gustafson recalls what it was like to be in that pressure situation with Elliott, “It just got to the point where it was like, ‘What do we have to do?’ It started to become so big that it was a distraction, and it was something you thought about.” Gustafson revealed this via Hendrick Motorsports.
But Elliott stepped up his game and finally snagged his first win at the Watkins Glen International. It wasn’t a lucky break, but rather a carefully executed strategy that was tailor-made for Elliott to kickstart his winning run. Unwrapping the inside story on Elliott’s debut win at Watkins Glen, Gustafson stated, “I knew the year before. I think the year before we tested Watkins Glen and it was a repave, and we were doing a tire test and running through the motions and testing all the parts and pieces.”
Even Gustafson couldn’t have imagined that this win was only the start of Elliott’s domination on the road courses. In a stretch of eleven races on the road course, Elliott emerged victorious in seven races. This notched his average finish to 9th, which is the best among the active Cup Series drivers. However, the win at Watkins Glen could’ve gone sideways as the #9 team was on a tightrope with the fuel-saving strategy and Martin Truex Jr. charging down on the #9 HMS Chevy.
USA Today via Reuters Feb 16, 2024; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Chase Elliott (9) signs autographs during practice for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Before Truex Jr. could make his move on the final lap, the #78 car ran out of fuel, and Elliott was in the clear. The highlight of the victory was Jimmie Johnson helping out his teammate Elliott, who was stalled on the racetrack after running out of gas on his cool-down lap. Johnson guided the #9 Chevy to the start-finish line in what felt like a ‘passing of the torch’ moment. Elliott went on to secure his first Cup Series Championship two years later, in 2020 and cemented himself amongst the grid’s elite drivers.
The 2024 season was indeed somewhat similar to 2018, where the #9 team had to do some soul-searching. While this year’s outcome, when compared to the 2023 run, looks to be on the bright side, Elliott didn’t hit his strides when it mattered the most.
The #9 team failed to switch gears during the 2024 season
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Recovering from the snowboarding debacle and missing the playoffs for the first time in 2023, Chase Elliott and his team registered an early win at Texas Motor Speedway in 2024. Apart from the race win, he had collected six top 5 results going into the playoffs. Consistency wasn’t an issue for the driver, but the lack of race wins certainly proved costly at the clutch moments.
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A runner-up finish at Bristol was enough to see him through to the Round of 12 in the playoffs. Then again he had to rely on points to advance further in the knockout stages; a P5 finish at Charlotte Roval helped him reach the Round of 8. Elliott was unlucky as he was caught up in a wreck at Vegas, and he had to settle for a P33 finish. Now, with Homestead and Martinsville up next, he was in a situation where he needed to win.
He wasn’t the only driver who was up against the odds; Tyler Reddick and Ryan Blaney were also eyeing that one win that would seal their spot in the Championship 4. Now, we all know that Reddick made that last-lap slingshot move hugging the wall to get past Blaney for the win at Homestead. In reply, the Penske star repeated his winning exploits at the Martinsville race, which was mired by race manipulation tactics.
The race saw three drivers, Bubba Wallace, Ross Chastain, and Austin Dillon, fined $100,000 for race manipulation and their crew chief was subsequently suspended for the Phoenix finale. Chastain and Dillon held up a Chevy blockade to allow fellow Chevy, William Byron, to maintain his position and qualify for the championship 4. Meanwhile, Bubba Wallace was caught slowing down in his Toyota to aid fellow Toyota driver Christopher Bell. Unfortunately, Bell got loose and rode the wall at Martinsville, which saw him get docked positions and Byron went through. Meanwhile, Elliott was chasing Ryan Blaney for the lead.
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Within this chaos and nail-biting finish, Elliott’s hopes of making the final 4 were slowly fading away. He was in contention with a P5 finish at Homestead, but despite trading paints and some beating and banging at Martinsville, he wasn’t able to get past Blaney. It’s clear that lack of wins certainly cost Elliott a shot at the championship. Hopefully, the 2025 season will be a new beginning for the #9 team with the hopes of overturning their misfortunes.

The ongoing lawsuit has taken yet another unexpected turn. NASCAR isn’t happy with the court’s verdict after a judge ruled the preliminary injunction in 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports’ favor and is expected to appeal. With the 2025 season on the horizon, the plaintiffs need time to prepare, especially after purchasing their new charters from Stewart-Haas Racing. However, it seems like the sanctioning body is determined to delay the enforcement of the injunction as much as possible, despite making a few rare concessions.
Could the court grant NASCAR’s request to delay the charter transfer until an appeal on the injunction is heard? Time will tell. The organization seems to be making a compelling case for itself, despite being found ‘guilty’ of being somewhat of a monopoly.
Stewart-Haas Racing’s charters face uncertain future
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23XI and Front Row Motorsports have won the battle, but not the war (yet). The preliminary injunction going in their favor was a big win for the plaintiffs, who won’t have to compete as ‘open’ teams for the 2025 season. This means they will have guaranteed spots in each of NASCAR’s 36 points-paying races while not risking losing its sponsors such as Monster Energy, Love’s Travel Stops, and their drivers such as Tyler Reddick and Noah Gragson. However, even though both teams want to expand their Cup Series operations, it seems like NASCAR isn’t willing to give in without a fight.
In recent developments, FOX Sports journalist Bob Pockrass wrote, “NASCAR is asking for the enforcement of preliminary injunction be delayed pending appeal except that NASCAR will guarantee entry of two cars each from Front Row and 23XI in each 2025 Cup race. They ask to delay SHR charter transfers and other benefits of charter membership.” The reason to ask for a delay is simple. As per the filing, the sanctioning body believes that it will “suffer irreparable harm,” if it approves the charter sale, which won’t be limited to just the 2025 season.
Considering that both 23XI and Front Row Motorsports have “not met multiple required conditions for the Charters assignment”, it’s easy to understand why NASCAR is unwilling to approve the sale of Stewart-Haas Racing’s charters. By doing so, they will effectively be tied to the plaintiffs for the next seven to fourteen years in a contractual relationship, and it will be difficult to get the court-ordered transfers overturned once they have occurred. Given the strained relationships with the plaintiffs, NASCAR’s reluctance and decision to appeal was the natural course of action.
The new twist in the ongoing lawsuit will bring more uncertainty about Riley Herbst and Zane Smith’s Cup Series future. Even though Front Row Motorsports has not officially announced a third driver for its team, Smith is likely to take over the role, as long as the SHR charter sale goes through. Even though the preliminary injunction is separate from the anti-trust lawsuit, U.S. District Court Judge Kenneth Bell has found the sanctioning body ‘guilty’ of being a monopoly. According to Adam Stern. Bell said, “The Court finds that NASCAR possesses monopoly/monopsony power in the relevant market which is the market for premier stock car racing teams in the United States.”
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NASCAR makes further demands after losing the preliminary injunction
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The court’s verdict regarding the preliminary injunction has caught NASCAR off-guard. The sanctioning body isn’t one to ‘compromise’, but has been put in a position where they are forced to make concessions amidst the ongoing anti-trust lawsuit. In all likelihood, Tyler Reddick, Bubba Wallace, Todd Gilliland, and Noah Gragson are guaranteed a place in the 2025 Cup Series campaign as NASCAR is only looking for a “partial stay of injunction pending appeal”. However, the organization is also taking measures to protect its finances, should it win the anti-trust lawsuit in 2026.
According to FOX Sports journalist Bob Pockrass, “NASCAR also is asking, b/c it’s not requesting delay in enforcement of the injunction as far as guaranteeing a spot in every race for two cars from 23XI and FRM, for the teams to post a bond (specific amount redacted) to cover any payouts they might have to return if lose case.” With 23XI and Front Row Motorsports competing with at least two charters, the plaintiffs will enjoy the financial benefits as per the new agreement, despite not putting pen to paper while the court case goes on.
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Even though the France family has maintained control of NASCAR with an iron fist in the past, the ongoing lawsuit could potentially alter the sport’s landscape forever. It will be interesting to see the court’s decision after the sanctioning body’s partial appeal of the preliminary injunction, which has only added to the drama during the off-season. Meanwhile, the now-defunct Stewart-Haas Racing is caught up in the crossfire in the battle between the plaintiffs and the sanctioning body, despite shutting operations at the end of the 2024 season.

Fred Lorenzen, one of the most iconic figures in NASCAR history, has died at the age of 89. His passing was announced on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, by Jim France, NASCAR’s Chairman and CEO.
Lorenzen, a celebrated Hall of Fame driver, leaves behind a legacy as one of the sport’s first superstars. He was celebrated for his remarkable achievements, including 26 NASCAR Cup Series race wins, which encompass his triumphs at the Dayton 500 and Coca-Cola 600. Lorenzen’s influence extended far beyond individual victories, as his charisma and drive helped bring NASCAR into the national spotlight.
Born in Elmhurst, Illinois, Lorenzen began racing professionally from 1956 to 1972 and he was initially one of the few racers who came from outside the Southern United States, breaking regional barriers and attracting fans from across the country.
Over his career, Lorenzen participated in 158 NASCAR Cup Series races, clinching victory at some of the sport’s most prestigious events. His dominance was especially pronounced in the mid-1960s when he won eight of the 16 races he entered in 1964, during which he impressively led 1,679 out of 1,953 possible laps.
(L-R, back row) NASCAR Hall of Famers Ned Jarrett, Leonard Wood, Glenn Wood, Darrell Waltrip, Bud Moore, Junior Johnson, Dale Inman, Rex White, Richard Petty, Bill Elliott, Jack Ingram, Bobby Allison, (L-R front row) Maurice… (L-R, back row) NASCAR Hall of Famers Ned Jarrett, Leonard Wood, Glenn Wood, Darrell Waltrip, Bud Moore, Junior Johnson, Dale Inman, Rex White, Richard Petty, Bill Elliott, Jack Ingram, Bobby Allison, (L-R front row) Maurice Petty, and Fred Lorenzen pose for a photo opportunity after the 2015 NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony at NASCAR Hall of Fame on January 30, 2015 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Fred Lorenzen sadly passes away. More Lance King/Getty Images
Lorenzen was twice voted as NASCAR’s most popular driver. His contributions were instrumental in propelling NASCAR from a regional phenomenon into a nationally recognized sport.
His efforts weren’t only confined to NASCAR. He excelled in the USAC Stock Car Series, winning championships in consecutive years, 1958 and 1959. His career milestones include being the first driver in NASCAR history to earn more than $100,000 in a single season, which he achieved in 1963.
Jim France, reflecting on Lorenzen’s passing, shared the deep respect the NASCAR community holds for him. He explained:

Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing could potentially change the landscape of NASCAR. The 6-time NBA Champion is no stranger to revolutionizing a sport, however, this time he is doing it by suing the governing body. After two tumultuous months, filled with the prospect of running as an open team, 23XI and Front Row Motorsports finally got some respite, and it may just create a ripple effect in the sport.
On December 18th, the court granted the preliminary injunction requested by the plaintiffs in their lawsuit against NASCAR. This allows them to run as chartered teams while still pursuing their antitrust lawsuit. Since this whole dispute stemmed from the two teams refusing to sign the charter deal citing ‘monopolistic practices’, the resolution would be a new deal, in an ideal scenario. How would this new deal affect the rest of the grid? Fox Sports’ Bob Pockrass explains.
A rising tide lifts all boats
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Charters were an inevitability after the eventual corporatization of NASCAR in the late 90s. To increase the contracts and streamline the revenues, they started revamping the entire system, making it much more structured. Charters, when first introduced in 2016, ignited major heated debates on NASCAR’s authoritative nature. Those debates are still going on. Many question the authority that NASCAR has over all the chartered teams, ripping them away from their deserved autonomy. But there seems to be a new ray of hope to end this regulated ‘tyranny’.
Replying to a fan on X (formerly Twitter), Fox Sports reporter Bob Pockrass wrote, “Changes to the charter agreement as a result of the lawsuit, that most likely would be for all teams,” suggesting that if Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing and Bob Jenkin’s FRM won the lawsuit, it would open new opportunities for the other 13 teams on the grid.
Throughout the course of NASCAR, the France family has always had their stronghold on the sport. However, this deal could change everything in that aspect. With all the teams potentially gaining from this verdict, this will mark a turning point in the relationship between NASCAR and its teams. With 13 teams unwilling to fight back against the charter agreement, with Rick Hendrick, himself saying, “I was just tired, not everybody was happy. But in any negotiation, you’re not going to get everything you want.” Now, NASCAR will have to comply with 23XI and FRM’s requests which could prompt teams not to roll over easily in front of the governing body and stand up for themselves.
Some of the possible new avenues that will open up from the lawsuit include better team autonomy, direct charter deals without NASCAR’s mediation, freer trade of charters, and motivation for other teams to follow their footsteps and challenge NASCAR’s authority on different levels. The ripple effect this could create might have grave consequences for NASCAR, such as losing control over the charter market, and one thing NASCAR hates is losing control over any aspect of its sport. This is why they have chosen to respond to the verdict by requesting a hearing to stop some of the charter deals going through.
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NASCAR fights back
To no one’s surprise, NASCAR isn’t taking the granting of the injunction lightly. The governing body has requested to the court that their injunction be delayed pending an appeal. However, this is focused on the sale of the third Stewart Haas Racing charters. Bob Pockrass explained the situation on X. “NASCAR is asking for the enforcement of preliminary injunction be delayed pending appeal except that NASCAR will guarantee entry of two cars each from Front Row and 23XI in each 2025 Cup race. They ask to delay SHR charter transfers and other benefits of charter membership.”
In a twist of events, NASCAR is now claiming ‘irreparable harm’ if the SHR charters are sold. The governing body claims that selling SHR charters would lock them in financially with the teams for 7-14 years. This is not something they want, as these charters have not been through due processes and according to NASCAR’s filing, “Plaintiffs have not met multiple conditions for this charter assignment.”
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Well, now only time will tell whether NASCAR will get its way here, but their request does seem to be genuine. They initially tried to wield their sledgehammer by taking away all the charters and making the teams run as open ones for 2025. However, that backfired as it showed irreparable harm on the plaintiffs’ end with a financial loss of sponsors are loss of star drivers. Now, accepting their current charters but denying the SHR’s ones seems like a middle ground. What do you think of the charter situation? Let us know in the comments below!

Kyle Larson had quite a 2024 Cup Series season, didn’t he? The Hendrick Motorsports driver may not have made it to the Championship 4, but he was by far the most consistent driver at NASCAR’s highest level. The 32-year-old showed his dominance across 36 races and even attempted ‘The Double’ by competing in the Coca-Cola 600 and the Indianapolis 500 on the same day. Despite a memorable campaign that ended with a disappointing finish, it seems like Larson isn’t being given the respect he deserves.
Autosport recently revealed its ‘Top 50 drivers of 2024’ and Larson was ranked a lowly 16th, while Joey Logano and several Formula 1 drivers were placed higher. The ranking didn’t go down well with several NASCAR fans, and many took to social media to express their disappointment.
Reflecting on Kyle Larson’s bittersweet 2024
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Kyle Larson is widely regarded as one of NASCAR’s most talented drivers and rightly so. The 32-year-old may only have one Cup Series championship to his name, but few racers are as consistent or dominant on the racetrack as the California native. Driving the No. 5 Chevy for Hendrick Motorsports, Larson secured six wins during the 2024 season, more than any other driver at the sport’s highest level.
It’s not just about how many Kyle Larson won, but also how he did it as well. At the Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway, the racer broke a longstanding record, held by Dale Earnhardt (1987), Matt Kenseth (2005), and Kyle Busch (2008) by leading 462 laps out of 500, the most at the 0.533-mile short-track in three decades. Despite it all, the California native was only ranked 16th in the standings, prompting The Athletic journalist Jeff Gluck to write, “Autosport’s world driver rankings do quite a disservice to Kyle Larson here.”
Kyle Larson’s sixth-place finish in the driver’s standing doesn’t paint an accurate picture of the season he has had. Such is the Hendrick Motorsports driver’s versatility that he was a constant threat on short, intermediate, road courses and superspeedway tracks, but ultimately fell victim to the playoff format. The No. 5 Chevy driver led a staggering 1700 laps in the Cup Series, more than any other driver in the competition, and could have won the regular series championship had he not missed out on the Coca-Cola 600 while attempting ‘The Double’.
Larson won the 2024 Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway when the iconic oval was revived for the first time since 2020 and his triumph at the Charlotte Roval made him a title favorite. However, he narrowly missed out on a spot in the Championship 4 after failing to win any of the Round of 8 playoff races, which may go on to explain why Joey Logano is ranked one spot higher in Autosports’ rankings.
Larson reflected on his season during an appearance on Race Industry Week. “It was a great year. Yeah, I was super, super happy with the performance of our race team all year long. We had a ton of speed from race one to race 38. Obviously, you want to make the final four and have a shot at the championship, but I also understand the format and know kind of how crazy it can be.” The HMS driver showed maturity and pride while dissecting his season. Larson was indeed head and shoulders above his competition but accepts that the playoff format is a different game altogether. The 2021 Champion is also aiming to attempt ‘The Double’ once again this year, but his main goal will be getting back to the pinnacle of NASCAR.
The decision to rank the HMS driver a lowly 16th didn’t sit well with NASCAR fans, many of whom didn’t hesitate to make their disapproval known.
NASCAR fans dissatisfied by Autosports’ rankings
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As expected, it didn’t take long for NASCAR fans to defend Kyle Larson on social media after the No. 5 Chevy driver was placed below eventual-winner Joey Logano, who won four times in the 2024 Cup Series season. Citing the win-and-in playoff system as the reason for the Hendrick Motorsports driver’s disappointing ranking, a fan wrote on X, “Another problem with the playoffs … third parties can’t understand how good a year 5 had, because your champion isn’t indicative of your most successful driver.”
Echoing that sentiment, another fan questioned Autosports’ ranking choices by claiming that Larson is a far superior driver than Team Penske’s Logano, even though the latter won his third championship trophy in seven years. The X user wrote, “I’m sorry but Logano ahead of Larson? No disrespect to Joey but this is just comical. Larson would drive circles around most of the guys ahead of him.” Taking note of several Formula 1 drivers such as Oscar Piastri, George Russell, Carlos Sainz, and Charles Leclerc being ranked higher than the HMS star, a motorsports enthusiast couldn’t help but make a subtle dig at them by saying, “Larson is the best guy on the list at driving a racecar that isn’t a high-performance computer.”
Having made a name for himself on dirt tracks, Kyle Larson is known for his versatility, not just in stock cars but across other motorsports disciplines as well, including open-wheel racing. Hailing his talent across different formats and track types, a fan went on to write, “I will go on record in saying that Larson is a top-5 driver overall in motorsports. He can drive anything with four wheels.” Sharing a conspiracy theory about the logic behind Autosports’ ranking system, a fan wrote on X, “The rankings are heavily biased (intentionally or unintentionally) to F1 and Euro-centric racing.”
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Do you think Kyle Larson should have been ranked higher by Autosport? Let us know in the comments!

The ‘Greatest Spectacle in Racing’ has blotches too. The Indianapolis 500 is a heritage race in the USA, being held since 1911. Ray Harroun won the first race with an average speed of 74.602 miles per hour over a century ago. Although the race reeks of historical value for the IndyCar series, owned by Roger Penske, it has also been associated with shady activities. Many of these emerged in the 21st century, with the most recent one taking a toll on Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s finances.
Immense expectations surround the Racing Capital of the World every year. After all, hosting IndyCar stars like Josef Newgarden who won his second consecutive Indy 500 race this year, comes with massive leverage. However, a few questionable fans can make undue use of that leverage – like somebody did recently, and got himself convicted.
Roger Penske’s hallowed track hit by theft
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The 2024 Indy 500 had a record-breaking purse win – $18,456,000. Team Penske driver Josef Newgarden won the race and grabbed a whopping $4 Million. He was earlier accused of a cheating scandal along with teammate Scott McLaughlin for using illegal push-to-pass software. Newgarden lost his victory and McLaughlin lost his podium finish. However, Roger Penske’s team slip-ups came back to bite him differently. Indianapolis Motor Speedway faced an unprecedented debacle ahead of the 2025 Indy 500 festivities.
A central Indiana man, Fred Bear Jr., was accused of selling ‘fake Indianapolis 500 season passes’. Court documents allege that his actions cost IMS and Roger Penske over $150,000. Bear apparently obtained a legitimate pass from someone working security at IMS, then paid a local printer to make the counterfeit copies. Documents show Snake Pit Wristbands and Carb Day Passes also ended up on the secondary market. An Ohio company re-sold the counterfeit passes through third-party sites including Seat Geek, StubHub, and Vivid Seats. “I don’t think anything like this allegation has happened before,” President of Indianapolis Motor Speedway Doug Boles said.
To prevent such a debacle from happening again, Boles issued directives to fans. “You need to get it through the Indianapolis Motor Speedway directly or through our secondary platform. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway guarantees that if you buy those secondary tickets on that platform, you know that they are legitimate.” He also added that people would be wary of seemingly shady activities. “We just encourage people that if you see something that seems weird and somebody is trying to sell you something that seems weird, let us know so we can follow up on it.”
However, Roger Penske’s hallowed track has faced several shady occurrences before, including one that affected racers.
Getting robbed after a race win
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Imagine you are fresh off of a prestigious motorsports milestone and you face a life-and-death situation. Seems pretty wild right? That is what Scott Dixon and retired driver Dario Franchitti faced in 2017. Hours after winning the top starting position for the Indianapolis 500, Dixon was in a merry mood. He was making a food run with Franchitti at a Taco Bell drive-thru for a group of drivers. The 2008 Indy 500 winner and New Zealand native were then threatened at gunpoint. Dixon and Franchitti were subsequently robbed of their wallets and phones and emerged with a fearful story to tell their colleagues.
“It was definitely shocking, disbelief for the most part. It will make you feel really small again,” said Dixon, who couldn’t imagine something like this happening in this day and age. Getting robbed at gunpoint can be a traumatizing experience, and luckily, ‘The Iceman’ was cool and composed throughout, ensuring the safety of himself and Franchitti. This was highlighted when he was asked about his questionable late-night food choice to go to Taco Bell, to which he replied, “I’d still go,” with a laugh.”
By the time practice for the Indy 500 resumed the next day, some were poking fun at the incident. Tony Kanaan, Dixon’s teammate at Chip Ganassi Racing, said: “I was supposed to be with them. I’m from Brazil, so I’m a little bit more accustomed to this stuff. I’m glad they’re O.K., and now I can make fun of them.” This was not the only incident of robbery around Indianapolis. In 2014, a robbery and shooting left two men injured in the Coke Lot, a series of sprawling grass lots divided by small creeks where Indy fans have camped for decades. On top of that, the Indy 500 is infamous for public intoxication, and incessant littering.
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Evidently, the recent Indy 500 incident does not stand out so much. All it means is another blotch on Roger Penske’s reputation, added to the team owners’ multiple cheating scandals.

Christmas is almost here! With the festive season on the horizon, the demand for gifts is through the roof, with many sellers scrambling to ship last-minute shopping sprees. Even though the NASCAR season is over, the demand for stock car racing products remains stronger than ever, with many opting for diecast models of their favorite cars for collectors and children. However, amidst the hustle and bustle of last-minute packing and shipping, mistakes are bound to happen, and that’s exactly what seems to have occurred for Circle B Diecast.
Was the mistake made by Circle B Diecast blown out of proportion? Arguably yes. However, the company’s owner Brent Powell issued a long statement on social media, sharing his side of the story amidst social media backlash.
NASCAR diecasts spark controversy ahead of Christmas
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It all started in 1999. Brent Powell along with his wife Ladonna started their journey in motorsports merchandise just before the turn of the century, with their own Action Racing Collectibles Authorized Dealer retail shop. Unlike big corporations, both Plan B sales and Circle B Diecast are owned by the couple, who identify as race fans, having sponsored many cars, trucks, and drivers, including some heavyweights such as Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, Bubba Wallace, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. amongst others. Unsurprisingly, the sponsorships have earned them quite a reputation within the NASCAR community, despite the odd mistake making headlines.
With the festive season on the horizon, Circle B Diecast shipped an order to a customer, which also contained products meant for others. The Reddit user, known as ‘Tasty-Scientist3935’ shared a picture of the ‘freebies’ on social media, claiming that the excess products were given to the charity Toys for Tots. In the statement issued by Brent Powell, the Circle B Diecast owner said, “The problem is feelings don’t always convert to words in an accurate way. I chose words like ‘crippling’. The truth is that $500 will not cripple us but calling the other 4 customers who also ordered one of the last of these items to tell them we are no longer fulfill their order does hurt.”
The owner further added that they make donations to Toys for Tots amid claims from fans that they do not care about charities “In fact, this year alone, Plan B Sales and Circle B Diecast donated over 20 pallets of diecast, related toys, water bottles and other goods to Toys for Tots, the Salvation Army and NC Hurricane relief.” They also added that they do not share such donations on their social media which is why no one has any idea about them. However, this begs to question as to why he was upset that the excess products were eventually donated to charity. Especially since, according to the Federal Trade Commission as posted by a user on X, the fan had a legal right to keep the items as a ‘free gift’.
For many smaller businesses, it’s not uncommon to not keep a large inventory. With Christmas coming up, products tend to fly off the shelves, and while the error had been made by Circle B Diecast, it’s understandable why owner Brent Powell is upset at not being informed about the mistake. To make matters worse, the situation escalated to another level as Powell was accused of berating and harassing the customer, claims that the business owner denied in his statement. The Circle B Diecast owner went on to say, “The fact the items were donated is not the issue, the issue is that morally, they were not his to donate.”
However, the company’s immediate priority must be to investigate how the issue occurred in the first place. The team at Plan B Sales and Circle B Diecast have been involved in the wholesale/retail of motorsports merchandise for a combined total of over 80 years. Yet, an avoidable mistake led to unnecessary controversy, one that has affected the reputation of Ladonna and Brent Powell’s company. The scandal certainly isn’t winning over NASCAR fans, many of whom took to social media to criticize the company for blaming the customer because of a self-inflicted mistake.
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Fans unhappy with Brent Powell’s scathing response
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As expected, NASCAR fans were not happy after Brent Powell issued an angry response on Reddit, criticizing his customer for not informing the company about receiving excess products. The military veteran wrote, “Mistakes happen, but losses like this could cripple a small business”, which prompted a fan to sarcastically write on Reddit, “Love how the owner lashes out at the customer when one of HIS employees screwed up massively when shipping the order out.” Echoing that sentiment, another fan went on to say that Circle B Diecast had only themselves to blame after making such a mistake as the Reddit user wrote, “Wow, CircleB really just shot themselves in the foot today. Yikes.”
The choice of words used by Brent Powell didn’t go down well with a NASCAR fan, especially considering that the excess products were given to underprivileged children. Expressing anger at the business owner’s response, a fan said, “What an unprofessional response to what is really not a big deal at all. You just lost my business.” Another Reddit user had thoughts along the same lines and pledged to boycott the business because of their customer service by writing, “How to ruin a business 101. Should have just wrote them off as a donation. Never ordered from them never will now.”
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Claiming that Powell’s response will end up as a more costly mistake for Circle B Diecast, rather than shipping excess products, a Reddit user wrote, “The loss from shipping out doubles of what the guy ordered isn’t gonna cripple circle b Diecast, but their response in this post is going to.” The motorsports merchandise company isn’t winning over hearts in the way they have handled the situation, which prompted the military veteran to issue a lengthy statement on social media. However, the damage has already been done, going by the responses from the NASCAR community.

“I just wanted to try to separate myself from the competition.” Brandon Jones said this at the start of 2023, seeking a fresh start to his venture under Dale Earnhardt Jr. Driving the No. 9 JR Motorsports Chevrolet, Jones wanted to make waves in Xfinity. But he could not do it in 2023 – going winless and failing to crack the playoffs. 2024 has been similarly uneventful. He clinched 8 top-tens and 1 top-five, finishing 14th in the championship standings.
Despite his slide in terms of performance, Brandon Jones now has an opportunity in his hands. His JR Motorsports journey may not have been fruitful, but it throws a shadow on his past. Jones’s tenure under Joe Gibbs’ umbrella was inspiring, except for an unfortunate tussle with Ty Gibbs. And he may be getting a chance to replicate that inspiring stint – to the dismay of fans.
Brandon Jones’ second chance revealed
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Joe Gibbs gave the Atlanta, Georgia native a momentum he had never seen before. Brandon Jones spent five seasons at Joe Gibbs Racing from 2018 to 2022 and witnessed a fair amount of success. He won five races and made the playoffs five times during that time. At the end of 2022, he seemed to be at the pinnacle of his performance. During the Martinsville race, Jones won the pole and led 98 laps. It looked like he was about to make a magnanimous statement by winning and locking into the Championship 4 race. However, his teammate Ty Gibbs bumped his No. 19 Toyota in the last lap and shattered his dreams.
Jones was visibly upset at Gibbs after being wrecked. “I don’t really understand the move. I understand trying to get aggressive-you want to win the race. But to just destroy the race car, I don’t see it. I don’t get any satisfaction from it. Maybe he does. Maybe he likes to win that way? But I never have and never felt strong about racing that way. So, we’ll just take it and go for it.” To add to that, Gibbs had already secured his spot in the Championship 4, which made his move even more questionable, considering he ruined his teammates’ chance of joining him there.
Come 2023, Jones shifted to another team and another OEM but failed to retrieve that momentum he had achieved prior to Gibbs’ mess. Yet now, a NASCAR rumor is on the table that Jones will have another go at JGR. A recent Reddit post shows Brandon Jones standing beside somebody resting a hand on his shoulder. A big yellow card reading ‘Guess who?’ is pasted on his company’s upper profile. However, the caption accurately sums up fans’ suspicions: Looks like “@BrandonJonesRac will pilot the 20 for JGR in 2025.”
When Brandon Jones set off his 2024 season, he was gearing up for a good season. From taking sessions with a sports psychologist to religiously following a workout regime, he took various measures. A pain point for him and the No. 9 team was avoiding wrecks – a multi-car crash in August 2023 saw Anthony Alfredo sliding up to him and wrecking him. Jones confessed that his healthy routine aimed to make his racing stint better. “Doing a cold plunge, doing insanely hard workouts is not gonna make me win a race, probably not. That’s not the key to winning a race, but if I can come into the weekend just that little bit up even if it’s just in my own head.” Now with another shot at Toyota and Joe Gibbs, this routine may just show results.
However, fans are not so optimistic.
NASCAR community pours water on new prospect
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After all, getting a chance under Joe Gibbs is a golden dream for NASCAR racers. JGR is one of stock car racing’s premier race teams, fielding veteran drivers like Denny Hamlin and Christopher Bell in the Cup Series. So giving a JGR slot to Brandon Jones who could not crack the Xfinity playoffs for a second time in a row seems fishy to one fan. “In other words JGR needs his dad’s money so you can have your ride back.” Jones is the son of JR Jones, CEO of Rheem Comfort Products who has sponsored Joe Gibbs Racing.
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Then Jones’ horrible fate this year also rings an alarm bell. He encountered crashes at Portland and Sonoma and an engine failure at Iowa, all ending his day prematurely. So another fan wrote, “It’s so insufferable that he just keeps getting top rides and is just so damn below mid. Seeing Brandon Jones announcements on getting new rides is like being excited about living off of room temperature milk from a platypus.”
Some people pointed out that even if the rumor is true, it would not do Brandon Jones so much good. Back during his JGR tenure, the driver excelled in the No. 19 Toyota car. The picture that spurred off the rumor shows a car with a faint 2 painted on its hood – indicating Jones’ new ride to be the 20. “Seems like a pointless change considering he was in the 19.” Somebody else also pointed out Jones’ horrible luck in vying for a championship, especially after Ty Gibbs raced him dirty. “He’s literally 390ish days removed from being all but locked for the final 4 and got Pat Tillman’d by Ty.”
Other people harped on the fact that Brandon Jones may be garnering more attention than he should. Two consecutive years of mid-level performance in top-level race cars may mean a disastrous exit for any other driver. However, Jones’ favored spot is puzzling and angering fans. Somebody wrote: “The dude needs to quit. He hasn’t had success in arguably the two best cars in the field.” Another fan was simply confounded by the attention on him: “We don’t give a damn bro 😭 like seriously none of us care that much about him lmao.”
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Evidently, Brandon Jones’ 2025 news is not hyping up fans too much. As the season rolls around, only time will tell if he can improve his career or not.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The two teams suing NASCAR over an antitrust complaint were granted a preliminary injunction Wednesday that will allow them to compete as chartered teams in 2025.
U.S. District Court Judge Kenneth D. Bell said in his ruling, which favors 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, that “NASCAR fans (and members of the public who may become fans) have an interest in watching all the teams compete with their best drivers and most competitive teams.”
NASCAR did not immediately respond to a request for comment and has not said if it plans to appeal.
23XI, the team owned by NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin, and Front Row refused in September to sign take-it-or-leave-it revenue-sharing offers made by NASCAR just 48 hours before the start of the playoffs.
A charter is essentially a franchise and guarantees prize money, a spot in the field each week and other protections.
The teams filed an antitrust suit alleging NASCAR owners are “monopolistic bullies” and were denied in federal court in November a request to be recognized as “chartered” teams as the suit continues.
23XI and Front Row can now sign the charter agreements and still pursue their lawsuit. They also each were granted permission to purchase additional charters from Stewart Haas Racing, which closed its four-team shop at the end of the 2024 season, and NASCAR must approve the transfers to those teams.
“ YESSSSSSS!!!!!!!” Hamlin wrote on social media.
It was a much-needed win for 23XI. Tyler Reddick, who finished fourth in the 2024 Cup standings, had an opt-out clause in his contract that would have gone into effect Wednesday and made him a free agent if the team did not land a charter for next season. Fellow 23XI driver Bubba Wallace also informed his team he needed to know how it intended to compete “immediately” so he could explore options with other teams, the judge wrote.
Jordan had said he took the fight to court on behalf of all teams competing in the top motorsports series in the United States. NASCAR had argued that the two teams simply did not like the terms of the final charter agreement and asked for the lawsuit to be dismissed.
Both Front Row and 23XI want to expand from two full-time cars to three. They have agreements with SHR to purchase one charter each. SHR is now Haas Factory and has plans to use one charter in 2025.
Until Wednesday’s injunction, 23XI and Front Row would have been forced to compete next season as “open” teams that don’t have the same protections or financial gains that come from holding a charter.
The teams contend they must be chartered under some of their contractual agreements with current sponsors and drivers, and competing next year as open teams will cause significant losses.
Earlier this month, the suit was transferred to a different judge than the one who heard the first round of arguments and ruled against the two teams in their request for a temporary injunction to be recognized in 2025 as chartered teams as the case proceeds.
“Here, the public interest strongly favors entry of a limited preliminary injunction in favor of the Plaintiffs during the 2025 NASCAR race season, both to give fans of stock car racing the opportunity to watch (and root for and against) the full slate of teams and to allow Plaintiffs’ antitrust legal challenges to be considered,” Bell wrote.
Front Row is owned by businessman Bob Jenkins, while 23XI is owned by Jordan, Hamlin and longtime Jordan adviser Curtis Polk.
Jenkins told The Associated Press in October that the two teams stood to miss out on $45 million in combined revenue if they competed without charters. But he was willing to do so for Front Row because he believed the case against NASCAR was winnable.
NASCAR had been operating with 36 chartered teams and four open spots since the charter agreement began in 2016.
“The availability of multiple sports in the United States says nothing about NASCAR’s control of a major one of them in the same way that the availability of professional basketball and football did not lead to a finding that the NCAA was not a monopolist,” the judge ruled.

It seems like 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports may have won the battle, but can they win the war? The plaintiffs, who have filed a court case against NASCAR have been handed a small, but significant win in the ongoing lawsuit. Amidst the drama and uncertainty, the so-called ‘rebellion’ will be keeping their charters for the 2025 campaign, after having their revised preliminary injunction approved in a dramatic twist of fate.
Despite Michael Jordan, Denny Hamlin, and Bob Jenkins breathing a big sigh of relief, the fight is far from over. The sanctioning body could retaliate by not approving the Stewart-Haas Racing charters sold to both teams, should the plaintiffs lose the ongoing legal case.
NASCAR could still inflict a big blow to 23XI and Front Row Motorsports
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It’s been a topsy-turvy journey for 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports in the ongoing lawsuit. Both teams lost in their motion for a preliminary injunction, after Judge Frank D. Whitney was unconvinced that it would cause “irreparable harm” if they were forced to run as open teams. Despite talks of appealing the verdict, Jeffrey Kessler’s clients opted to re-file the motion instead, only this time the decision was in Judge Kenneth D. Bell’s hands. As per the latest ruling, both teams will keep their charters until the anti-trust lawsuit is resolved, while NASCAR is also forced to approve the purchase of their third charters.
However, the battle is far from won. When asked by a fan if the third charter sale is only valid for next season or forever, FOX Sports journalist Bob Pockrass wrote, “Ruling says NASCAR is ‘preliminarily enjoined from refusing to approve Plaintiffs’ purchases of two Stewart-Haas Racing, LLC charters, which Plaintiffs will be entitled to use to race in all 2025 NASCAR Cup races.’ … if teams lose case, then charter transfer likely revisited.” This means that while there might be a temporary respite for 23XI and Front Row Motorsports, NASCAR is still holding out hope.
As things stand, 23XI Racing has already announced a third car for 2025, which will be driven by Riley Herbst, while Front Row Motorsports has been linked with Zane Smith for its third seat. However, it remains to be seen if both teams will be able to retain their new charters, for which they have paid a combined total of an estimated $50 million, as it will all depend on how successful the plaintiffs and Jeffrey Kessler are in the courtroom. Bob Jenkins’ FRM had filed an affidavit last week which alleged that NASCAR’s condition for approving the sale of Stewart-Haas Racing’s charters depended on the lawsuit being dropped.
However, that’s a stark contrast to what Stewart-Haas Racing president Joe Custer said, as was told by NASCAR that the charter sale would be approved, but in the unlikely scenario it doesn’t, the team wouldn’t be able to field two entries as per the charter proposal signed in September. Jeffrey Kessler’s decision to re-file the preliminary injunction was a stroke of genius, as the plaintiffs managed to prove the harm losing their charters would cause, not just in the long run but for also their immediate future.
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Jeffrey Kessler welcomes the court’s verdict
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Even though the battle is far from over, 23XI and Front Row Motorsports have plenty of reasons to celebrate. By being granted charter status for 2025, both teams will get significantly higher revenue next season than they would have if they were forced to compete in the ‘open’ category. Moreover, they will also have an automatic sport in each of NASCAR’s 36 Cup points races and don’t run the risk of potentially losing their drivers, whose contacts required them to be in a car with a charter.
Reflecting on the preliminary injunction being approved, the plaintiffs’ attorney Jeffrey Kessler said, “We welcome today’s decision by Judge Bell granting a preliminary injunction in our favor. The court’s ruling allows 23XI and Front Row Motorsports to race existing cars as chartered teams in next year’s Cup Series. The decision also requires NASCAR to approve both teams’ purchases of a third charter from Stewart-Haas Racing and allow these cars to also race as chartered teams in the 2025 season.”
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Tyler Reddick, who made it to the Championship 4 during the 2024 season, would have had the opportunity to leave as a ‘free agent’ if the verdict didn’t go in 23XI Racing’s favor. While there is no guarantee he would have opted to leave, other teams would be able to contact the 28-year-old for his services. While NASCAR has the opportunity to appeal, Kessler remains bullish about their chances and he went on to say, “We are confident in the strength of our case and will continue to fight so that racing can thrive and become a more competitive and fair sport in ways that benefit teams, drivers, sponsors and, most importantly, our fans.” 23XI Racing and FRM are giving it their all to win this case and as the season inches closer their stance seems to get stronger. While the threat of NASCAR eventually winning the case and reversing all of their hard work still looms large, in the short term, things are looking on the up.

21-year-old Parker Retzlaff’s promising NASCAR journey took an unfortunate downturn earlier this year when his departure from Jordan Anderson Racing (JAR) left fans speculating about his future. While many pointed to a controversial moment at Daytona, where he spoiled fellow Chevrolet driver Kyle Busch’s playoff chances, that potentially led to his exit.
Retzlaff’s career has taken a turn for the better with a new opportunity in 2025. The 21-year-old Wisconsin native has signed with Alpha Prime Racing, where he’ll once again pilot a Chevrolet full-time, this time in their no. 4 car in the NASCAR Xfinity Series next season.
Parker Retzlaff’s new chapter with Alpha Prime Racing
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Alpha Prime Racing’s announcement on Wednesday was a significant moment not only for Retzlaff but also for the team itself. Co-owned by Caesar Bacarella and Tommy Joe Martins, the organization has steadily grown into a competitive force in the Xfinity Series. Bacarella, who achieved two top-10 finishes as a driver in 2024, expressed excitement about Retzlaff joining their roster.
“I’m just super excited to have him join us,” Bacarella said. “He’s a young, really talented racecar driver, and he’s going to help elevate the team.”
The young Retzlaff brings a respectable resume to his new team (even if you don’t consider his insane iRacing record), including three top-fives, 12 top-tens, and two pole positions across 75 Xfinity starts. He also made a splash in the Cup Series in 2024, securing a top-10 finish during the summer Daytona race. Despite a challenging sophomore season that included 12 DNFs, Retzlaff has shown flashes of brilliance, including a career-best third-place finish at Daytona earlier in 2024.
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Team owner Bacarella emphasized that Alpha Prime’s growth has been built on the strength of its people. “There’s been a lot of ups and downs, but Tommy and I agree it’s all about the people. It’s so hard. We’re racing against the best teams in the world. But we’ve got great people, and that’s what’s made it work,” he said. “And now we’ve got two ace drivers in the stable full-time.”
Retzlaff joins Brennan Poole, who helped Alpha Prime secure 18th in owner points last year. Together, the pair represents a promising lineup as the team looks to climb the Xfinity Series standings in 2025.
“I’m humbled, honestly,” Retzlaff admitted. “Obviously, I wouldn’t be here without the support of my partners—who I’m really excited to announce later.” Sponsorship and crew chief details will be announced in the coming weeks, but the excitement surrounding Retzlaff’s signing is already palpable.
The 2025 Xfinity Series season kicks off on Feb. 15 at Daytona International Speedway, the site of his infamous controversy, where Retzlaff will aim to make an immediate impact.
In a statement that radiated hope and determination, Retzlaff shared, “We all want to win races, be consistent, and prove we’re here to compete. Everyone here has told me how much they believe in me and what I can do.” For Retzlaff, it’s more than just a fresh start—it’s a chance to prove himself on one of NASCAR’s most competitive stages and what better way to start than a Daytona redemption.
The Daytona controversy and JAR exit
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Retzlaff’s departure from Jordan Anderson Racing at the end of 2024 came amidst a swirl of controversy. During the August Cup Series race at Daytona, Retzlaff’s actions on the final lap sparked heated debates. Driving the No. 62 Chevrolet for Bear Motorsports as a one-off, a team with an alliance to Richard Childress Racing (RCR), Retzlaff chose to push Harrison Burton’s No. 21 Ford instead of assisting Kyle Busch, a fellow Chevrolet driver. Burton went on to win the race, while Busch eventually missed the playoffs.
The decision drew criticism, with some fans and insiders speculating that Chevrolet’s displeasure over the incident influenced JAR’s decision to part ways with Retzlaff. The young driver, however, defended his actions at the time, explaining, “The end of the race isn’t how I wanted it to work with pushing a Ford, but I also didn’t want to give up everything with how much FunkAway has done for me.”
Kyle Busch expressed after the race that he had never raced Retzlaff in the past, so he didn’t know what to expect. “I don’t think I’ve ever raced with Parker,” Busch said. “I’ve seen him on the Xfinity side, but I don’t think I’ve ever run a race with him. But all things considered, it just doesn’t matter who they are. They’re just cars at that point.”
Despite his explanation, the fallout was immediate. Retzlaff’s post-race comments hinted at tension, but he also expressed gratitude toward JAR for giving him his first full-time Xfinity opportunity. “I can’t thank Jordan Anderson and John Bommarito enough for allowing me to chase my dream,” he said in a social media post announcing his exit.
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The Daytona race itself was a chaotic affair, featuring 16 different leaders, 40 lead changes, and two multi-car wrecks that eliminated several front-runners. Retzlaff’s decision to push Burton instead of Kyle Busch might not have been the sole reason for his departure, but it undoubtedly added fuel to the fire.
Former teammate Jeb Burton suggested that despite his numerous crashes throughout the season, it was also a lack of funding that didn’t allow him to retain his seat at JAR. That was…until Alpha Prime came knocking.
For Alpha Prime, the addition of Retzlaff signals their intent to compete at a higher level. Bacarella and Martins have built a team with ambition, and Retzlaff’s youthful energy could be the spark they need to achieve new milestones in 2025.
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As the season approaches, all eyes will be on the No. 4 Chevrolet and its young driver. For Retzlaff, the goal is simple: prove the doubters wrong and show that he belongs among NASCAR’s rising stars.

U.S. District Court Judge Kenneth Bell has ruled in favor of 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, granting them a preliminary injunction. This ruling permits the teams to compete as chartered teams in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series.
Judge Bell based his decision on the

Big news for Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin’s 23XI Racing team! The courts just handed them a win in the ongoing lawsuit against NASCAR. In a recent ruling, the court granted the teams a much-needed ‘preliminary injunction.’ What does this mean? Well, 23XI and their co-plaintiffs get to race as charter teams in the upcoming season while continuing to fight their antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR.
This is a huge deal because staying a chartered team guarantees a spot in every race, including the Daytona 500—where the prize money is massive. While this ruling is just a small victory in a much bigger battle over NASCAR’s so-called “monopolistic practices,” it’s still a win. The court didn’t rule on the “monopoly” accusations yet, but it did make some key observations that probably strengthened the teams’ case.
NASCAR owns “100% market share”
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It all started back on October 3rd when 23XI and another team, Front Row Motorsports (FRM), filed a lawsuit against NASCAR. They accused the racing organization of anti-competitive, monopolistic behavior. Among their grievances? NASCAR’s rules that prevent teams from competing in other stock car races and force them to buy parts exclusively from NASCAR-approved vendors. During this process, the teams also asked for a preliminary injunction, which has now been granted.
Getting this injunction was critical, not just for the charter status but for the lawsuit itself. Why? Well, the charter agreement includes a clause that prevents teams from suing NASCAR. So, if the injunction hadn’t been approved, the teams would’ve been locked out of the lawsuit. But after proving that not getting the injunction would cause “irreparable harm,” like losing star drivers, like Tyler Reddick or Noah Gragson, or big sponsors, like Monster Energy (23XI) and Love’s Travel Stops (FRM), the court sided with the teams.
With the injunction in place, the two teams can race as charter teams next season, meaning they’re locked into every race. Now, all eyes are on the main lawsuit—whether NASCAR’s practices are anti-competitive. But for now, the court held off on deciding that. U.S. District Court Judge Kenneth Bell was clear: “The Court emphasizes that it does not reach and expresses no opinion as to Plaintiffs’ likelihood of success on their other Sherman Act claims”, including but not limited to, their allegations of anticompetitive restrictions and conduct,” —which includes the monopoly allegations.
However, according to Adam Stern of Sports Business Journal, Bell later added: “The Court finds that NASCAR possesses monopoly/monopsony power in the relevant market which is the market for premier stock car racing teams in the United States.” He went on to add how NASCAR owns the entire market share when it comes to premier stock car racing.
“NASCAR’s Cup Series is the only premier stock car racing series in the United States, and premier stock car racing is a distinct form of automobile racing with unique cars and highly specialized racing teams for which other types of motorsports like Formula 1 and IndyCar are not substitutes. Therefore, NASCAR fully controls which race teams can compete at the highest level of stock car racing – effectively, it has a 100% market share,” he added.
This is a big deal for 23XI and FRM since their entire argument is built around NASCAR’s monopoly power. And good news for Tony Stewart’s now-defunct SHR team too—charter deals for them were finally approved.
23XI and FRM expand to three-car teams
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With the case going on, the two teams also planned to expand to three-car teams by buying charters from the now-defunct SHR. But here’s the catch: NASCAR had to approve those charter transfers before they can happen. SHR president Joe Custer had previously said that NASCAR promised on more than one occasion to approve the charters “once the buyers submitted their Transfer Approval Forms and signed their respective Joinder Agreements.”
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But NASCAR held those charters hostage, using them as leverage to get 23XI and FRM to drop the lawsuit and take back their accusations of antitrust violations. According to Custer, the downsized Haas Factory Team did not have the resources to run more than one team. But after the recent ruling, there is relief for Stewart’s team.
The court has now forbidden NASCAR from refusing to approve the purchases of Stewart-Haas Racing charters by both race teams, which had agreements in place to purchase one each. So now, in the next season, the 23XI Racing would have Tyler Reddick, Bubba Wallace, and Riley Herbst in the lineup and FRM would have Todd Gilliland, Noah Gragson, and most likely Zane Smith piloting the third car. However, if the teams lose the lawsuit, then the charter purchase can potentially be overturned by NASCAR. Things are definitely going to get interesting as both teams grow!
Reflecting on the preliminary injunction being approved, the plaintiffs’ attorney Jeffrey Kessler said, “We welcome today’s decision by Judge Bell granting a preliminary injunction in our favor. The court’s ruling allows 23XI and Front Row Motorsports to race existing cars as chartered teams in next year’s Cup Series. The decision also requires NASCAR to approve both teams’ purchases of a third charter from Stewart-Haas Racing and allow these cars to also race as chartered teams in the 2025 season.”
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Of course, NASCAR could appeal the court’s decision about the charters, but we’ll have to wait and see. What do you think about this ruling? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

23XI Racing celebrates a huge win as the first domino in their legal battle finally falls. After refilling the preliminary injunction and the replacement of Judge Frank Whitney with Kenneth Bell, the court approved the preliminary injunction. This allows both teams to race as chartered teams for next season. Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin owned Team 23XI along with Front Row Motorsports tasted the first plight of success thanks in big part to 23XI’s superstar driver, Tyler Reddick.
23XI Racing heaves a sigh of relief
23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports were in a precarious position. The rejection of the preliminary injunction ensured that both teams had to take to the tracks as open teams. The open team status is detrimental for the team, as it does not guarantee a spot in every race, nor does it guarantee money from the race. This could have potentially led to drivers leaving, and after Tyler Reddick’s success in 2024, the threat of his absence was seen as ‘irreparable harm’.
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After the initial injunction plea was rejected, Reddick filed for a breach of driver contract, which would have allowed him to leave by December 18th if his charter was not confirmed. Judge Kenneth Bell said, “Plaintiffs’ loss of their contractual rights with their drivers coupled with the uncertainty over racing as an ‘open’ team is what moves the needle over the line. The ‘present prospect’ of the loss of star drivers constitutes irreparable harm that ‘cannot fully be rectified by the final judgment after trial.’”
This came as a ruling after Jeffrey Kessler, the legal counsel for Team 23XI, put forth how they could be under severe penalization if the temporary chartered position of the team was not invoked. He said, “We have a potential champion (Tyler Reddick) who would be free to leave and we’d never get him back. This could put these teams out of business. You can’t go to a stock car team and ask them to become a Formula 1 team”.
Tyler Reddick’s pivotal role as a star driver for 23XI Racing underscored the gravity of the potential harm his departure could cause. Reddick was the franchise driver for Michael Jordan’s team as he clinched the team’s first-ever Championship 4 berth. His stunning last-lap, double-overtake win at Homestead-Miami Speedway over Denny Hamlin and Ryan Blaney was one of the highlights of the 2024 playoffs.
Tyler Reddick’s success compelled the court to rule in favor of preserving the team’s charter status. This decision not only safeguarded Reddick’s position but also ensured stability for the team and its sponsors moving forward. It is also worth mentioning that his teammate Bubba Wallace was also in two minds in regards to staying with 23XI if they did not secure the charters.
Michael Jordan almost lost both his drivers
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While 23XI Racing is currently enjoying its first win, the situation would have been grievous had it not won the injunction. The team would not only have lost sponsors and Tyler Reddick, but his colleague Bubba Wallace was also on the verge of leaving. Wallace shares a similar status to Tyler Reddick when it comes to the contract and this permits him to venture for other options.
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This was exactly what the teams wanted to prove. Holding up how the resignation of the drivers is changing dynamics currently, the court ruled, “Other drivers have expressed similarly urgent concerns. Driver Bubba Wallace informed 23XI that he needs to know how it intends to compete ‘immediately’ so that he can explore seats with other teams”. This only bolstered 23XI’s argument towards facing irreparable harm. Now, with their current charters secured, another boost to the hearing was the securing of Stewart Haas Racing’s charters.
23XI and FRM were already in plans with Stewart Haas Racing for a charter sale and NASCAR had even verbally approved the sale for FRM. However, as the court case progressed, NASCAR went back on its word. “Specifically, NASCAR informed us that it would not approve the [charter] transfer unless we agreed to drop our current antitrust lawsuit against them,” Jerry Freeze, general manager of Front Row, said. With irreparable harm being proven, NASCAR will be forced to sell the SHR charters while fighting the antitrust lawsuit.
Speaking of the same, Kessler said, “The decision also requires NASCAR to approve both teams’ purchases of a third charter from Stewart-Haas Racing and allow these cars to also race as chartered teams in the 2025 season. We are confident in the strength of our case and will continue to fight so that racing can thrive and become a more competitive and fair sport in ways that benefit teams, drivers, sponsors and, most importantly, our fans”. However, this does come with the caveat that NASCAR could appeal the decision. To add to this, if the plaintiffs lose the lawsuit, the charter situation can be revisited at a later date. As to stands, it’s all smiles in the 23XI and FRM camp as Christmas has seemingly arrived early for them.
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The court’s ruling not only solidified Tyler Reddick’s and Bubba Wallace’s positions within 23XI but also paved the way for strategic growth with the acquisition of a third charter. This decision marks a turning point for the team, ensuring its competitive edge while reinforcing its commitment to drivers and fans alike. Do you think 23XI Racing will win its antitrust lawsuit after securing the preliminary injunction?

It seems like Zane Smith has plenty to look forward to. With 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports being granted a preliminary injunction, the 25-year-old racer can feel confident that his future in the Cup Series might be assured. Even though Bob Jenkins’ team has not announced a driver for their third team, the California native has been heavily linked to the seat, with reliable reports suggesting that he remains the most likely candidate to take over.
Lady luck seems to be on Smith’s side. Despite a lackluster season with Spire Motorsports, the racer will be given yet another opportunity to salvage his career at NASCAR’s highest level. Will he take the opportunity this time around? Time will tell.
Court’s verdict brightens up Smith’s Cup Series prospects
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Despite making the odd appearance, Zane Smith didn’t get a real opportunity in the Cup Series until 2024. Having made a name for himself in the Truck Series by winning the championship in 2022, it was only a matter of time before a team took a gamble on him at the highest level and that’s exactly what happened. On loan from Trackhouse Racing, Spire Motorsports gave him the keys to the No. 71 Chevy for a full season, but the results left much to be desired. In the 36 races he competed in, Smith secured just two top-five and four top-ten results, leading just six laps throughout the year. A 30th-place finish wasn’t exactly what the team expected from him, and five early retirements just added insult to injury.
However, it seems like Zane Smith will be handed another lifeline. With Front Row Motorsports’ charter sale being approved for 2025, the racer has yet another chance to make his mark in the Cup Series. Sharing his thoughts about the situation, FOX Sports journalist Bob Pockrass said, “Today’s ruling is particularly good news for SHR as well as Zane Smith. It should allow for the sales to go through and for FRM to continue to go ahead with plans for its third car (with the expectation it would be for Zane Smith). … TBD if NASCAR appeals the ruling.”
In the last few months, Front Row Motorsports has received mixed messages from the NASCAR hierarchy regarding their newly purchased charter from Stewart-Haas Racing. According to the filing submitted by the plaintiffs, FRM general manager Jerry Freeze said that he was told by NASCAR president Steve Phelps that the charter sale was approved, only to be told later that it was contingent on the lawsuit being dropped. However, the court’s latest ruling leaves no doubt in the matter anymore, even though NASCAR could appeal the preliminary injunction verdict.
Zane Smith has a good relationship with Front Row Motorsports. Going by his history with the team, it’s not surprising that FRM is willing to take the gamble on the 25-year-old, who will look to turn his reputation around with stellar performances in his sophomore year.
Zane Smith is fighting for his Cup Series future
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It hasn’t been an easy year for Zane Smith. Even though the California native can take plenty of positives from his rookie season, after finishing runner-up at Nashville Superspeedway and fifth at Watkins Glen, consistency issues have cost him a seat. The driver has finished 25th or lower on 16 different instances and ended the year with his worst-ever result at Phoenix Raceway, finishing 39th. Despite being promised a seat by Trackhouse Racing for 2025, the offer was withdrawn because of Smith’s results, with the team opting to go for Shane van Gisbergen instead.
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After being released from Trackhouse Racing following the 2024 season, Smith said, “Obviously, I am disappointed that I’ve been put in a tough spot. I am diligently exploring quality driving opportunities and hope to quickly wrap up my plans for next year. … With more determination than ever, I will continue to do what I know best and that is to work hard, race my heart out, and prove myself.”
Even though the circumstances have been far from ideal, Smith isn’t giving up on his NASCAR dream without a fight. Reflecting on the season that has gone by, the driver said, “It’s been an absolutely brutal couple of months but I’m fighting through it; nothing really new in my career. I’m not a guy to want anyone to feel sorry for me, by any means. It’s just been tough, but I’ll never give up, and it’s hard to beat someone that never gives up.”
If Zane Smith’s move to Front Row Motorsports materializes, it will seem like somewhat of a swap deal, as Michael McDowell has already moved the other way and will be taking over the No. 71 Chevy next year. Meanwhile, Bob Pockrass remains bullish about the chances of Smith going to his former side, especially now that the charter sale is approved. The journalist had previously written on X, “FRM has indicated it would field three open cars next year if it comes down to it …. obviously, though, that would impact budgets … but Zane Smith still expected to be in a third FRM car next year as long as there is a third car.” The show of confidence from Bob Jenkins might be exactly what the racer needs to hit the ground running next year. However, time will tell if he can develop into a championship contender at NASCAR’s highest level.
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Do you think Zane Smith deserves another shot in the NASCAR Cup Series? Let us know in the comments!

If you’ve been a NASCAR fan for a while, you probably remember the days when the cars looked like actual works of art. Take, for example, Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s famous red-and-white Budweiser Chevy or Jeff Gordon’s iconic flame-splattered Dupont car. These schemes weren’t just designs—they were reflections of the personalities and sponsorships that helped shape NASCAR’s identity during the early days. But what made these cars even more impressive was the craftsmanship that went into their paint jobs.
For decades, NASCAR cars have been an iconic part of the sport, and one of the most notable aspects of these high-speed machines is their paint schemes. From bold, eye-catching designs to sponsors’ logos plastered all over, the evolution of NASCAR paint jobs has mirrored changes in technology, aesthetics, and efficiency. Joe Gibbs Racing recently took fans on a journey through this transformation, showing how NASCAR’s paint schemes evolved from hand-painted masterpieces by legendary NASCAR artists like Sam Bass to the vinyl wraps seen today.
The hand-painted era: a true labor of love
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Back in the early days of NASCAR, every car that raced was hand-painted. These cars were not factory-finished machines with decals slapped on top. The teams had to put in hours of work to give each car its vibrant colors and designs. First, a base coat was applied, then decals were placed carefully over the body. Afterward, the car would be sanded down to make sure the decals adhered properly, before being topped off with a clear coat to smooth out the edges.
This process wasn’t just time-consuming; it was meticulous. Teams worked tirelessly to make sure every detail was perfect, and it was often a huge part of the car’s appeal to fans. If you ever watched a race in person, you knew that the paint jobs were as much of a spectacle as the race itself. The colors gleamed under the track lights, and the cars were a visual feast. If you were watching on TV, the colors were vivid and sharp, thanks to the advances in broadcasting technology at the time. For many fans, these hand-painted cars were the very definition of NASCAR.
Joe Gibbs Racing posted an insightful video on Instagram that laid out the evolution of these paint jobs. “Race cars don’t need headlights because the track is always lit. They are just stickers, and so is the rest of the car,” the video begins, showing how cars were initially painted using hand brushes, with just a few decals added for flair.
The JGR video continued, “In 1959, while painting a recently repaired car, a team mixed two different cans of paint together since neither can had enough to paint the whole car.” This approach led to the creation of one of NASCAR’s most iconic custom schemes: ‘Petty Blue,’ which was famously used by Richard Petty’s car. The King sharing the story had said, “We had some blue paint and some white paint; not enough of either for the whole car. But we had enough so if we mixed them, we could paint the whole car one color.”
In one memorable moment, Dale Earnhardt Jr. was captured in a hilarious video where he couldn’t stop marveling at the work that went into these paint jobs. In his own way, he captured the essence of what it meant to be a part of that hand-painting tradition. “They sand it and clear coat it,” he repeated breathlessly, emphasizing just how much care and effort went into the creation of those stunning designs.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Joe Gibbs Racing (@joegibbsracing)
But as time went on, custom paint jobs became more common, especially after 1967, when teams started experimenting with different designs and colors. By 1997, however, something began to change in a major way. A team wanted to create a chrome finish, and in order to achieve it, they decided to wrap the entire car instead of painting it. This experiment not only worked—it made a lot of sense. By the mid-2000s, NASCAR began to see a shift. As the sport grew and the demands on teams became even greater, convenience and efficiency began to take center stage. Enter the vinyl wrap. Wrapping a car with vinyl sheets took hours, not days. And the best part? It was much lighter than the heavy layers of paint and clear coat, improving the car’s performance.
While veteran NASCAR fans might not like the shift, vinyl just took over!
Why did vinyl become the future of NASCAR?
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The video further talks about how by 2007, about half of the cars on the track were fully wrapped in vinyl, and by 2014, painted cars were a rarity. While many race shops still had paint booths, they were mostly being repurposed, as every car on the track was now wrapped in high-quality vinyl sheets. These vinyl wraps allowed for more intricate designs, easier maintenance, and faster turnaround times.
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While the days of hand-painted masterpieces may seem like a thing of the past, the switch to vinyl wraps didn’t just happen for practical reasons—it allowed teams to get more creative. Wraps offered the opportunity to experiment with bold new looks that could be easily adjusted and replaced between races. Plus, they were far more cost-effective, cutting down on the time, effort, and expense that came with hand-painting a car from scratch.
via Imago Kyle Busch and Kyle Larson’s paint schemes, both are vinyl wraps
Today, if you walk into any race shop, you’ll notice that the once-thriving paint booths have been replaced by cutting-edge wrapping technology. The result is a stunning new era of NASCAR designs that may not have the same craftsmanship as those hand-painted classics, but they’ve certainly captured the spirit of the sport.
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Thanks to the JGR video, we took a walk down memory lane to look back through NASCAR’s colorful history, showing us just how much the sport—and its iconic cars—have evolved over the years. Whether it’s the artful brushstrokes of a hand-painted job or the sleek precision of a vinyl wrap, the spirit of NASCAR will always be in the paint schemes of the cars. Which have been some of your favorite paint schemes? Share your thoughts with us in the comments down below.

NASCAR may be having an epiphany at the moment. Over the past two years of negotiation with the Race Team Alliance, the stock car racing body had the upper hand. Dealing with a fragmented Cup Series garage was easy. When 13 of 15 teams signed the 2025 charter agreement, that lack of unity was apparent. Even after 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports filed the NASCAR lawsuit, the France family’s sport seemed to have the most leverage.
But now, the tables have turned. Federal Judge Kenneth Bell replaced Judge Frank Whitney a few days ago, and Stewart-Haas Racing also hopped into the lawsuit. These dominoes had to fall before the court finally ruled in favor of Michael Jordan. Presently, the future looks a tad bit bleak for the France family.
NASCAR lawsuit may uncover France family’s assets
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The primary objective of the NASCAR lawsuit was to prove the sport’s ‘monopolistic practices.’ These were in the form of exclusive ownership of International Speedway Corporation’s venues since 2019, not allowing teams to compete in rival series, and acquisition of the ARCA Menards Series. To prove the France family’s unfair domination in the sport, Michael Jordan and Co. sought an ‘expedited discovery’ of relevant documents and files. These would belong to the entire NASCAR executive fold – NASCAR CEO Jim France, Lesa France Kennedy, Ben Kennedy, Steve O’Donnell, Steve Phelps, and Scott Prime. Judge Whitney had turned down this request along with the preliminary injunction motion in early November.
However, now the situation has changed significantly. Judge Kenneth Bell has already made the first move in favor of Michael Jordan – by accepting their second preliminary injunction request. In a recent video, Eric Estepp outlined how this may lay down the next steps of the NASCAR lawsuit. “Now that they have been granted financial security for at least next year, they can keep fighting. They’re probably feeling emboldened, empowered to keep fighting… The discovery stage of this case – will force NASCAR and the France family to make many of their private financial records public. We’ll all get to see who makes what, where the money has been going,how much certain things cost.”
via Imago NASHVILLE, TN – JUNE 24: Team 23Xi co-owner Michael Jordan with Denny Hamlin 11 Joe Gibbs Racing FedEx Ground Toyota on pit road prior to qualifying for the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series Ally 400 on June 24, 2023 at Nashville SuperSpeedway in Lebanon, TN. Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire AUTO: JUN 24 NASCAR Cup Series Ally 400 EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2306244834400
The discovery of crucial financial documents may or may not be harmful to the France family in the NASCAR lawsuit. What we do know for sure is that now they have reason to be worried. Estepp continued: “The France family does not want those records to be made public… NASCAR is feeling immense pressure… to sit back down with the teams, negotiate new terms, settle. Suddenly, NASCAR does not seem to have the leverage they’ve had before… Over the past two years, throughout much of the charter negotiation process, it felt like NASCAR had the most leverage – the teams were fragmented… but with this decision… the pendulum has certainly swung back in the direction of the teams.”
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One important disadvantage for the sanctioning body is public favor – which tilts toward Jordan.
The absence would have been too glaring
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If Michael Jordan and Co. failed their motion, their future would have darkened. Both 23XI and FRM would have had to compete as open teams with considerably truncated race schedules. As a cultural icon and a 6-time NBA champion, Jordan brings immense visibility to NASCAR. When 23XI Racing debuted in 2020, Jordan’s name alone boosted TV ratings and brought millions of new eyes to the sport. This year, it reinforced its name as a top-tier team as Tyler Reddick clinched the regular season title and cracked the Championship 4. Even Front Row has booked a promising driver from SHR, Noah Gragson, to drive in 2025.
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So depriving these star teams of their growth in the sport would have severely impacted fan reception. Judge Kenneth Bell included this point among others in his verdict on the preliminary injunction ruling. “NASCAR fans (and members of the public who may become fans) have an interest in watching all the teams compete with their best drivers and most competitive teams,” the judge wrote. “Further, the public has an interest in preserving the rights of litigants to pursue legal claims in good faith, particularly antitrust claims that aim to preserve the process of commercial competition.”
Evidently, the sport lost this round against Jordan in the NASCAR lawsuit. Now, dim prospects arise for the France family as their 76-year-old tradition is at stake.

Michael Jordan’s 23XI and FRM were in dire need of proving ‘irreparable harm’ in the courtroom. After the court denied their first request for a preliminary injunction in their lawsuit against NASCAR, it felt like all hope was lost. The teams were set to compete as open teams for 2025, resulting in major financial losses. However, a change in Judge from Frank Whitney to Kenneth Bell flipped the script.
Michael Jordan was saved by the ‘bell’. Judge Kenneth Bell ruled in favor of 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports by awarding a preliminary injunction in their antitrust lawsuit. This allows both teams to compete as chartered teams for 2025. However, if this did not go through, Jordan and Co were on the verge of deep trouble, as a major sponsor was ready to call it quits.
23XI Racing has been through a rollercoaster of emotions since November
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Competing as open teams for the year 2025 would have been a major challenge as the team lose out on major perks and benefits.A seat at every race was not guaranteed, and neither was a paycheck. This ignited an array of repercussions, each of them having financial implications for the team. It started with Tyler Reddick almost leaving the team as he was bound under a contract that permits him to leave the team if the charter status is unprotected.
Tyler Reddick had a great season in the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series as he secured 23XI’s first Championship 4 berth and won the regular season championship. His splendid performances over his career led him to be a popular face and even more popular driver, which attracted sponsors like Monster Energy. However, when the first preliminary injunction raised by 23XI Racing was declined in November, it led Monster Energy to reconsider its decision for a 2025 sponsorship.
While arguing in favor of the Michael Jordan-owned team, Jeffrey Kessler pointed out, “On November 23, 2024, 23XI received another email from Monster Energy, stating that it was reconsidering its entire relationship with 23XI…”. Consequently, this was also a similar status for Front Row Motorsports. The same report read, “To the same effect, Front Row’s largest sponsor, Love’s Travel Stops, emailed the team on November 22, 2024, stating its concern about Front Row’s “ability to meet contractual obligations next season” given “the numerous uncertainties raised around… not having a team Charter, as the 2025 season approaches”.
The lack of charter protection for 2025 left 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports grappling with uncertainty, risking substantial financial losses and strained sponsor relationships. The potential shift to open team status jeopardized their stability, casting doubts on their ability to secure funding and meet contractual obligations, ultimately threatening their competitive future. Luckily for them, the ruling was in their favor and this marked a major milestone in the 23XI and FRM vs NASCAR legal battle. One particularly happy soul was co-owner Denny Hamlin.
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Denny Hamlin Reacts to first major win in NASCAR lawsuit
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The ruling in favor of Team 23XI and Front Row Motorsports is a major win for the team and the first golden lining to a silver cloud. The teams have been granted the autonomy to maintain their preliminary charter status for the 2025 Cup Series season. It also allows owners like Denny Hamlin the freedom to purchase a charter from the former Cup Series team Stewart Haas Racing team.
However, just before things went official and the attorney made an official statement, Denny Hamlin took to his social media account and stated, “YESSSSSSS!!!!!!!”. Following this, Kessler said, “We welcome today’s decision by Judge Bell granting a preliminary injunction in our favor. The court’s ruling allows 23XI and Front Row Motorsports to race existing cars as chartered teams in next year’s Cup Series. The decision also requires NASCAR to approve both teams’ purchases of a third charter from Stewart-Haas Racing and allow these cars to also race as chartered teams in the 2025 season”. The only caveat to this is NASCAR could still appeal the decision to grant the charters. To add to that, if the plaintiffs lose the lawsuit, the court could revisit the SHR charter situation and things could go south. However, as it stands, Hamlin and Co have every right to rejoice.
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Denny also went live on air with SiriusXM NASCAR during the decision-making process and said, “We won”. Denny Hamlin’s jubilant reaction underscores the significance of this victory, not just for Team 23XI and Front Row Motorsports, but for the evolving landscape of NASCAR. With the path cleared for charter expansion, this decision solidifies the team’s competitive future and sets the stage for long-term growth.