Ryan Blaney might’ve come up just short of back-to-back NASCAR titles, but if you think he’s kicking back this offseason, think again. Instead of coasting through December with some well-deserved R&R, Blaney’s calendar is booked solid—and it’s not just because of racing.
Blaney’s offseason schedule is anything but typical. While December usually marks his “check-out” period—he’s a firm believer in unplugging until January 1st—this year, it’s all systems go. The big news? He’s tying the knot! But don’t get too excited about the honeymoon photos. Blaney dropped a little bombshell recently that might cause some side-eye from his soon-to-be wife, Gianna Tulio.
Love, laps, and a packed December
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Ryan Blaney is postponing the honeymoon to dive right back into preparation for the 2025 season. “Unfortunately, no, so we’re gonna have to postpone it a little bit, but that’s fine,” he said, casually brushing off any suggestions that it’ll cause an issue back home. So, what’s the rush? Blaney’s focus is crystal clear: another shot at NASCAR glory. After narrowly losing to his Penske teammate Joey Logano in the 2024 championship by just 0.33 seconds, Blaney’s determined to hit the ground running—honeymoon or not.
His wedding is just weeks away, and instead of lounging by the beach afterward, he’s gearing up for early training sessions and strategy meetings for 2025. His fiancée, Gianna Tulio, has been by his side through thick and thin. Off the track, Blaney’s relationship with the South Florida native, Tulio has been a grounding force. The two met sometime before 2020 and quickly became fan favorites with their adorable Instagram posts and public appearances. From celebrating Valentine’s Day at the track to walking the NASCAR Awards red carpet, they’ve been through it all together.
Their engagement in December 2023 was straight out of a rom-com. Blaney popped the question, and Tulio captioned the moment, “12•12•23. I said yes to my forever.” It was a sweet milestone for the couple, who’ve been each other’s biggest cheerleaders.
But even with wedding bells on the horizon, Blaney’s racing career looms larger for now. He’s used to balancing life in the fast lane, but skipping the honeymoon? That’s a bold move. “This winter will be pretty busy, but we’re excited for it,” he shared. “It’s not so busy that you’re dreading it… it’s something to look forward to.”
Blaney’s choice might seem surprising, but for someone as laser-focused as him, it’s all about keeping his eyes on the prize. Fans can’t help but wonder if Tulio’s rolling her eyes at his jam-packed schedule—or if she’s just as prepared to support his championship dreams as ever.
A season to remember and a future to chase
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The 2024 NASCAR season was one of the most competitive in recent memory, and Team Penske dominated the headlines. Joey Logano’s third Cup Series title was the cherry on top of Penske’s incredible year, but Blaney was right there, keeping the pressure on.
Ryan Blaney’s season had its highlights, with three wins and countless battles that kept fans on the edge of their seats. But it all came down to the wire, and losing the championship by a fraction of a second to his teammate stung. Still, if there’s one thing Blaney has proven, it’s that he’s not just Logano’s sidekick —he’s a star in his own right.
Crew chief Paul Wolfe credited the friendly rivalry between Blaney and Logano for pushing the team to new heights. “The #12 and #22 specifically… I don’t know how we could work much closer together,” Wolfe said. “It challenges each of us to look at things a little differently.”
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That dynamic has been a game-changer for Penske, and Blaney’s determined to make 2025 his year. Despite the heartbreak of 2024, he’s already focused on reclaiming the crown. Between saying “I do” and diving back into training, Ryan Blaney’s setting the stage for what could be another stellar season.
So, will skipping the honeymoon pay off? Only time will tell. Here’s hoping he doesn’t end up sleeping on the couch for a month.

One notable name was conspicuously absent when NASCAR’s biggest stars gathered to celebrate the 2024 season in style at the annual awards ceremony in Charlotte. A familiar face on the Cup Series circuit, Noah Gragson opted for a different type of horsepower-fueled excitement—jetting off to attend the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix. While some speculated about his reasons for skipping NASCAR’s final event of the year, Gragson’s Instagram post provided the answer in the form of an unexpected celebrity encounter.
From the Kitchen to the Circuit: Did you know Gragson met Ramsay?
Noah Gragson shared a photo with none other than celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, captioning it simply, “Yes Chef.” Decked out in his iconic white chef’s jacket, Ramsay struck a pose with the NASCAR driver, who couldn’t help but fanboy in the comments, referencing Ramsay’s most memorable one-liners from Hell’s Kitchen. And the next thing we know? Fans flooded the post with excitement, marveling at the unexpected crossover between motorsports and culinary stardom.
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For many motorsport fans, Gordon Ramsay’s presence at Formula 1 events is as common as champagne on the podium. Known for his fiery personality on shows like Hell’s Kitchen and MasterChef, Ramsay is also an avid racing enthusiast with a penchant for high-performance cars. And what’s more intriguing is his supercar collection.
It includes Ferraris, McLarens, and Lamborghinis. It’s no surprise, then, that Ramsay was spotted in the paddock at the Las Vegas Grand Prix, mingling with drivers and adding his enormous star power to the event. And Noah Gragson’s Instagram post gave fans a glimpse into Ramsay’s world. The two seemed to bond over their mutual love for adrenaline, with the NASCAR driver humorously quoting Ramsay’s famous “IT’S RAW” in the comments as he soaked in the high-stakes atmosphere of F1’s newest and glitziest race.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Noah Gragson (@noahgragson)
As for Ramsay, his love for motorsport is well-documented. He often attends races with his family and has even dabbled in amateur racing himself. His presence at the Las Vegas Grand Prix served as a reminder of the event’s global appeal, drawing celebrities and fans alike to witness the spectacle of racing under the neon lights of the Strip. But imagine Gordon Ramsay in the Front Row Motorsports Garage, cheering for Gragson next season; the NASCAR crowd will definitely go crazy!
Gragson’s start to a better season
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While Noah Gragson enjoyed the thrill of F1’s desert showdown, the Las Vegas Grand Prix carried immense stakes for the drivers on the grid. Meanwhile, back in NASCAR’s orbit, Gragson’s absence at the awards ceremony highlighted a season of highs and lows for the 26-year-old driver.
After starting 2024 with Stewart-Haas Racing, Gragson faced early challenges, including a points penalty for unapproved roof rails. Despite occasional flashes of brilliance, such as a career-best third-place finish at Talladega, Gragson ended the season in a disappointing 24th place in the standings.
His career trajectory took another twist when Stewart-Haas Racing announced its impending closure, prompting Gragson to sign a multi-year deal with Front Row Motorsports starting in 2025. The move represents a fresh start for the Las Vegas native, who has shown resilience and determination amid a turbulent year.
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Gragson is excited for his new team and car; the No. 34 Ford that Michael McDowell drove. Sharing his excitement to join FRM in 2025, he said, “It’s definitely exciting times. When we started out this year I didn’t know how I was going to run. I didn’t know if I had the potential to run in the Cup Series just based off how the 2023 season went, and to be able to get my feet underneath me with the opportunity at Stewart-Haas, it definitely opened peoples’ eyes. With the challenges that have come about with Stewart-Haas, we were looking for a home for a long time and that’s when I got introduced to Bob (Jenkins) and (general manager) Jerry (Freeze). Being able to sit down with them and talk and see what their goals were and what their vision was.”
However, the FRM-23XI & NASCAR Lawsuit continues, but celebrations must not stop. As NASCAR celebrated its champions—Joey Logano in the Cup Series, Justin Allgaier in Xfinity, and Ty Majeski in the Truck Series—Gragson’s detour to Formula 1 hinted at a broader perspective on motorsport. Perhaps it was a chance to recharge after a challenging season or to draw inspiration from a different corner of the racing world.

We have a new 7x winner in our midst. He’s only new because it’s his 7th trophy in a row at the event. At the 2024 NASCAR Awards ceremony in Charlotte, Chase Elliott won the NMPA Most Popular Driver title for his seventh straight year.
He has certainly lived up to his name. After all, Chase and his father, Bill Elliott, are one of those few father-son duos lucky enough to be NASCAR champions at the sport’s highest level. And he carries himself in due order. You wouldn’t find Million Dollar Bill’s son publicly saying something that could tarnish his family’s legacy. However, the question on many fans’ minds lately is, will Chase Elliott grow his family with a welcome addition? Now, he might’ve been answering Jessie Punch’s questions all by himself on the red carpet, but if you look real close, indeed, there is a woman in the Hendrick Motorsports driver’s life. And her name is Ashley Anderson.
Who is Ashley Anderson, Chase Elliott’s silent supporter
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There is not much info made public about Anderson, apart from the fact that she grew up in the same area as the Dawsonville-born Elliott and that they’ve been friends for a long time. On Instagram, her handle is @ashley_shae, and she boasts a strong 4.5k follower base. Ashley’s oldest picture with Chase on her profile dates back to mid-2020. Rumors suggest that’s when she started going out with the 28-year-old Elliott. Since then, the couple have had somewhat of an on-off relationship, but talking about things like that from a distance does nobody good.
She’s a talented hair stylist and lifestyle vlogger, plying her trade in Elliott’s hometown. The pair have made multiple appearances together on racetracks, but just like her rumored love interest, Ashley prefers to keep her personal life private. Most recently, she accompanied Elliott to the NASCAR Awards ceremony at the Charlotte Convention Center, where they wore matching black outfits. Ashley also shares a friendship with Ryan Blaney’s fiance, Gianna Tulio, who has been a definitive mainstay of the NASCAR community.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ashley Shae (@ashley__shae)
Besides all that, Chase Elliott’s girlfriend is a natural blonde with striking blue eyes and embodies a very family-oriented spirit. Fans allege Ashley’s age to be 34 at the time of writing.
Is marriage on the cards for Chase Elliott? Does the couple have any children?
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Although the rumor mill has discussed potential wedding dates in the past, Chase Elliott is in no rush to get married. On November 28th, the 2020 Cup Series champ will turn 29, which is still young if we’re talking NASCAR driver years. Now, Elliott doesn’t normally talk about things like this often. But at Trackside Live before the Bristol Night Race last year, he affirmed to Kenny Wallace, “I’m not against it by any means… I also think… You find the right one and the timings right—why not?”
“I’m not even 30 – what’s the rush?” – Those were Elliott’s last words on the ordeal. As for Ashley, it seems neither of them has popped the question. Chase and Ashely do not have any children together.
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What happened to Chase Elliott’s relationship with Kaylie Green?
Before Elliott got involved with Anderson, he was dating Kaylie Green, daughter of 1994 NASCAR Busch Series champion David Green. Kaylie is a social media manager and a digital marketing professional. Much like Chase, she grew up in the vibrant world of stock car racing, surrounded by its high-speed momentum from an early age. Her father won 9 races in the second tier of NASCAR and raced 78 times at the sport’s highest level—the Cup Series. These days, David Green serves in an official role for NASCAR.
According to reports online, Kaylie and Chase dated from 2017 to 2020, right before she joined the University of North Carolina at Charlotte to pursue a communication and media studies degree. There were no official statements on why they separated. But not long after, pictures of Elliott and his new love interest surfaced on social media.
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Additionally, Kailey Green and Ashley Anderson were friends in the past, though details about their relationship remain limited today. Reddit threads exist that show their relationship. But we suggest anyone interested in reading about them take it all with a pinch of salt. Interstingly, Kailey was with Chase the first year NASCAR’s end-of-year award banquets moved to the Music City Center in Nashville, Tennessee. This year, the Awards ceremony found a new home in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Chase arrived with a new woman by his side.
As a 7x Most Popular Driver who’s won the hearts of fans worldwide, it’s no surprise that Elliott certainly had his options. But the woman who’s got the key to his heart for the time being is Ashley Anderson. So, any rumors of their parting ways in recent memory are just that–rumors. Here’s to hoping Chase and Ashley stay together for a long time to spin countless memories as a couple.

Sergio Perez and his future at Red Bull Racing is one of the big talking points within the Formula 1 community. The Mexican driver has hung onto his sear despite a dismal outing. Speaking of his 2024 season, he is 251 points adrift of his teammate and champion Max Verstappen.
While he made amends for his disastrous qualifying run fourth at the Las Vegas Grand Prix by finishing P10, his future at Red Bull is still up in the air. So far Red Bull has publicly backed their driver, but with the lack of points along with the loss of the constructor’s title, they will need to reconsider Checo’s future for the 2025 season.
Any official call or a hint about Perez’s future with Red Bull might come out in the open after the race in Abu Dhabi. But former NASCAR driver turned presenter Danica Patrick feels that it’s time Sergio Perez should call it quits before it’s too late.
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Danica Patrick just might have delivered another controversial statement
NASCAR fans are not new to Patrick stirring up the pot with her statements. However, ever since she picked up the microphone for Sky Sports, the F1 fans have also gotten a taste of what the former SHR driver can bring to the table. Well, the F1 fans in the United States and elsewhere weren’t thrilled to see her back on broadcasting duties for the Vegas race in the first place. And they just might’ve been proved right after she made a controversial call regarding Perez’s racing career.
Now, the Red Bull driver has had it rough, and his dismal run throughout the 2024 campaign is well documented. An argument can be made as to whether he is the best pick to partner Max Verstappen. But stating that he should be done racing at the top level is a far-fetched theory. Danica Patrick was sold on the latter part of the theory, as she thinks that Checo should be calling it quits from Formula 1 racing after his sub-par qualifying run at Vegas.
“He’s done so many great things and won so many races. I think that, if it were me, I wouldn’t want to look like that anymore. I’d just say it’s time.” Patrick said while speaking on Sky Sports. At 34, Perez isn’t past his prime years; he has six F1 wins and 39 podium finishes so far and could continue further. Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton, and Valtteri Bottas make a case that age isn’t something that can hold a passionate driver to deliver his best on the racetrack.
via Imago F1 Grand Prix Of Canada Sergio Perez of Red Bull Racing during the drivers parade ahead of the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, Canada on June 18, 2023. Montreal Canada PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRA Copyright: xJakubxPorzyckix originalFilename:porzycki-f1grandp230618_npPEu.jpg
However, a team like Red Bull, who are in the business of winning races and titles, will need to make a call on Perez soon. Going by the latest updates, the team is expected to decide Checo’s fate after the end of the Abu Dhabi race.
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Helmut Marko provides an update on Sergio Perez’s future at Red Bull
Red Bull is one of the few powerhouse teams that can call a driver on a whim. They are in a unique position of having four drivers locked in a contract, which certainly intensifies the pressure for Perez. Alpha Tauri pairing Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson will be eager to boot Checo out of the seat at Red Bull.
Now all Perez has is two weeks to install faith and trust within the top brass of Red Bull Racing. Providing an update on the situation, Helmut Marko, while speaking on ORF, said, “There will be a meeting after Abu Dhabi, and the result of this meeting will be presented to the shareholders, and they will then decide what the driver situation for both teams will look like for next year. I don’t know the exact gap now, but I think Checo has over 200 points less than Max. And then it’s clear that the constructors’ title is no longer possible.”
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Although Verstappen delivered the goods by clinching his fourth crown, Red Bull would want a reliable teammate for their driver lineup if they want to contest for the constructor’s championship in 2025. But it will be shocking to see Perez hang up his boots from F1 racing if he’s shown the exit door by the Red Bull team.

Veteran Joe Gibbs Racing driver Martin Truex Jr. has been among the favorites within the NASCAR community. Over the years, Truex Jr. has made a reputation of being the most respected driver, and this is because of his style of racing and out-of-the-box personality traits. However, apart from his career, fans have grown fond of his personal life, and the veteran driver left the fans shell-shocked with his appearance at the 2024 NASCAR Awards.
Now it’s hard to guess whether or not the former JGR driver has linked up with his rumored new girlfriend. But Emily Collins sharing the Red Carpet event with Truex has certainly sparked rumors about the potential links between the two.
Who is Emily Collins, the rumored girlfriend of Martin Truex Jr.?
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The JGR star has been relatively private about his personal life. However, Emily Collins featuring alongside him at the Red Carpet event might be an indication of his new relationship. This could be seen as a public acknowledgment of a new bond between Martin Truex and Collins. But who is Emily Collins, and how did she meet with the NASCAR star?
Truex Jr. was in a long-term relationship with Sherry Pollex, but after a nine-year battle with cancer, she passed away in 2023. However, just before her death, the couple had announced that they had ended their relationship. According to Nayag, this is where Truex Jr. found his new love, Emily Collins. Not a lot is known about Collins for the time being, but she has been posting about the chemistry she shares with the NASCAR driver on her socials.
Is Martin Truex Jr. in a relationship with Emily Collins?
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Now if you know Martin Truex Jr., he isn’t too active on social media and often keeps his distance from media. It’s not something deliberate, but that’s just the way he is. “He (Truex Jr.) is terrible at text messages, and if you don’t, you know, you might not hear from him for damn months. He’s that kind of friend.” This is how his good friend Dale Earnhardt Jr. described him after Truex Jr. announced his retirement.
So, there’s a huge possibility that he might have been dating Emily Collins for a long time, but it was kept under wraps. However, he decided to bring her to the NASCAR Awards, and that just might be his way of saying that he is officially dating Collins. Reports suggest when Emily Collins appeared alongside MTJ at the 2023 NASCAR Awards ceremony in Nashville, that was the former Joe Gibbs driver introducing his new partner to the motorsports world. He is also a regular feature in Collins’ TikTok videos. However, unless either one of them confirms their relationship, this theory is nothing more than an educated guess. Given that MTJ has called it quits from racing, fans might know more about his personal life now than ever before.
What happened to Martin Truex Jr.’s relationship with Sherry Pollex?
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Both Sherry and Martin Truex Jr. started dating in 2005; this was the year when the driver won his first title, clinching the Busch Series with Chance 2 Motorsports. The couple had shared the best moments on the tracks with Truex’s championship win in 2017 and also hit the lows with Sherry’s battle with ovarian cancer.
However, just before the start of the 2023 season, they announced that they would be ending their 18-year relationship. Late in the year, Pollex passed away after fighting the gruesome disease for nine long years. The driver shared a message on social media after her death: “I would like to extend my deepest condolences to her entire family, who have shown incredible strength and resilience throughout her battle.” This was the last exchange MTJ had about Pollex. And it seems he’s now entered a new chapter in his personal life.

With the silly season fully underway, fans thought they had little to look forward to with rumors of transfers and the NASCAR lawsuit. However, Dale Earnhardt Jr. managed to bring something special for the NASCAR community, courtesy of Budweiser and his stepmother Teresa Earnhardt. You see, after Earnhardt Jr. had the chance to run the #8 again, he announced his return to the South Carolina 400. The bad news? Dale Jr’s race ended earlier than expected.
Thanks to a fuel pump issue, the #8 of Dale Earnhardt Jr. retired from the South Carolina 400 as Canadian superstar Treyten Lapcevich’s blistering pace put him in first place.
Dale Earnhardt Jr was enjoying a great race before disaster struck
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As mentioned before, the 2024 South Carolina 400 was going well for Dale Earnhardt Jr. Qualifying did not go to plan because he started down in 40th on the grid. However, he was able to scythe his way up the order and eventually found himself running in 2nd place. For a long time, Dale Jr hunted down Lapcevich, before his fuel pump issue forced him out of the race. Safe to say, the 2023 NASCAR Canada Series champion was breathing a sigh of relief.
Throughout the race, Dale Jr’s progress was steady, and 11th place before the red flags were thrown. The culprits behind this were Mason Diaz and Conner Jones who crashed under caution and then brawled with each other. For Jones, it was not a good look for him, especially considering that NASCAR suspended him for intentionally wrecking a rival.
Not that the temporary stoppage bothered Dale Earnhardt Jr too much. When the race resumed, he continued clawing his way up the order and reached 2nd by the pit stop phase. From there, he began hunting down Treyten Lapcevich, passing his former JR Motorsports driver Josh Berry, along the way. It was all in vain as Treyte Lapcevich dominated the second half of the event. Similar to Dale Jr, he started from one of the lower spots on the grid, the 24th place, and worked his way up in the race.
By Lap 15, he managed to break into the Top 15, then into the Top 10, and before Lap 30, he cracked the Top 5. It was only a matter of time before he took over the race lead. Dale Earnhardt Jr. had an opportunity to catch him on the restart following the Lap 125 caution, but Lapcevich knew it all too well. He set off at the restart, eliminating any chance of giving up the lead. While Dale Jr. performed well for most of the race, but couldn’t sustain it towards the end. On lap 219 out of 250, he reported an issue with his Late Model car and was forced to bring it to the pits. Of course, the caution came out while they tried to sort out the issue, but there was nothing the team could do. As a result he was done for the day.
Regardless of the early exit from the race, it was incredibly special for NASCAR fans. To see Dale Earnhardt Jr. return to the race track in the iconic red and black #8 car complete with the Budweiser logos was a blast from the past. It brought closure to his sour exit from Dale Earnhardt Inc. For those who don’t know, Dale Jr. drove for DEI, once owned by his father Dale Sr. Following his death, it passed on to his step mother, Teresa Earnhardt. In 2007, with disagreements between the two at an all-time high, Dale Earnhardt Jr. made the switch over to Hendrick Motorsports.
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His #8 car, the red and black color scheme, and the Budweiser partnership were left behind since DEI owned the car and the rights to the color scheme. However, a decade-and-a-half later, Teresa Earnhardt relented and chose not to claim the number after its expiry this June. It left the door open for Dale Jr. to mark one more race with the iconic color scheme and number.
Who is NASCAR Canada driver Treyten Lapcevich?
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The 20-year-old Ontario native currently races full-time in the NASCAR Canada Series and was a champion of the series. He is also the younger brother of Cayden Lapcevich, who is also a NASCAR Canada Series/Pinty’s Series champion. Suffice it to say, stock car racing talent appears to run in the family.
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During the South Carolina 400, drove a mature and controlled race out at the front of the pack. With Dale Earnhardt Jr on the move, Lapcevich kept a close eye on his rival and maintained the gap between them. All throughout the second half of the race, there were five to eight car lengths between the two drivers. In the end, the 20-year-old got a lucky break when Earnhardt Jr’s fuel pump gave up the ghost.
For the remaining 30 laps, he went virtually unchallenged, but still had to keep his head and finish the race. After all, no win is guaranteed until the chequered flag waves. As such, Treyten Lapcevich had to concentrate for the rest of the race, because it just takes one small mistake to throw everything away.

The 2024 NASCAR Awards in Charlotte felt like a homecoming event. This was the first time that the award ceremony was held at NASCAR’s home base. Previously, New York City, Las Vegas, and Nashville hosted this annual gala. While the award ceremony is something that holds significance for the driver, the fans are eager to see their favorite star in stylish outfits. After all, this is one of the rare occasions where drivers dress up and are paired well with their partners.
Although the dress code is somewhat the same among all the drivers, the same cannot be said for their wives or girlfriends. Here we will take a look at the couples who stood out from the rest with their outfit choices.
Drivers and their partners with show-stopper designs at the 2024 NASCAR Awards
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First off, we have the Cup Series champ, Joey Logano, and his wife, Brittany Baca. The Penske star had a modest-looking black and white suit, but he did steal the show by flaunting his three championship rings (2018,2022 and 2024). Meanwhile, Brittany looked stunning in her dark green strapless dress.
Well, Logano’s crew chief wasn’t far behind; if anything, he looked more smart than his driver. Paul Wolfe also opted for a classic black and white suit combo, but it was his bowtie that certainly worked in his favor. His wife Aleah donned a white netted dress, and truth be told, the couple certainly stood out amongst the other celebrities and drivers on the red carpet.
23XI Racing star Tyler Reddick was the one who opted for a rather unique outfit choice. In a video shared by NASCAR on Instagram, Reddick revealed his outfit was from Stitched By Mitch. Unlike most of the drivers, he had a casual suit unbuttoned, and he opted to go for the Jordans over the regular formal shoes. This comes as no surprise as the owner of his team is none other than Michael Jordan, so Jordan’s did suit his style. Reddick’s wife, Alexa DeLeon, had a dark blue gown with a pendant around her neck and a hand purse.
Denny Hamlin also joined his fellow driver with a unique combo of his own. Hamlin wore a velvet tuxedo featuring matching buttons for his shirt. Interestingly, this was a gift from his long-time sponsor, FedEx. Recently, he announced that FedEx would no longer be the sponsor of his #11 car and the suit was a fitting tribute to their long-lasting legacy. His fiance, Jordan Fish, looked equally dazzling, if not more than Hamlin, with a gown she got off Revolve.
Last but not least, we had Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his wife, Amy. The evergreen duo of NASCAR certainly added more light and energy with their mere presence at the 2024 NASCAR Awards. Both of them were dressed modestly and interestingly complimented each other. Dale Jr. had a classic black and white suit with a tie, and Amy wore a matching black dress. This was perhaps the only couple who had the same colored dress for the big event.
Apart from the bling-bling of the red carpet, there were other notable moments that stood out as the highlight of the NASCAR Awards.
David Wilson and Greg Biffle were honored with special awards
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While the Awards serve as a platform to celebrate the champions and their story, it also allows NASCAR to identify individuals who promote stock car racing in good light with their contributions and selfless efforts. Former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle was the recipient of the prestigious Myers Brothers Award. Biffle received this award for his relief work in helping the mountain communities in Western North Carolina, who were affected by the devastation of Hurricane Helene.
Biffle used his private helicopter to reach the communities located in the remote mountainous region and supplied them with essential supplies. Narrating the story of why he took on this responsibility, the former NASCAR driver stated, “It started on a Saturday morning when I got a phone call for somebody in need of assistance. And what I thought was one family turned in to be, a pretty devastating event and just escalated one thing after another. And I thought, you know, I’ve got the resources, and if I don’t go, who’s going to go? And what turned out to be 4,000 messages after that just turned into 12 days of flying, sun up to sun down.”
Meanwhile, the outgoing Toyota Racing Development head, David Wilson, became the recipient of the Bill France Award of Excellence. An industry veteran who worked at Toyota for 35 years had been involved in growing Toyota’s NASCAR project. In his 11-year stint, he helped Toyota grow and prosper to become a competitive OEM partner of the sport. And it’s fair to say that ever since Toyota’s arrival, the level of competition has increased a notch.
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But Wilson had no clue that he was going to be rewarded with this special award in Charlotte. “I was well and truly stunned, rocked my world tonight to be called up on stage by my dear friend Jim France and to be recognized. As I said, and what I believe and what’s in my heart, is again on my very best day, I am simply a reflection of a wonderful team that’s supported me, that’s trusted me, that’s empowered me to serve and so, yeah, I’m still soaking it in.” He said after receiving his award.
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The 2024 NASCAR Awards were indeed a perfect conclusion to sum up NASCAR’s 2024 story ahead of the holiday season.

With the NASCAR off-season in full swing, fans are finding creative ways to stay entertained while the engines are off. No races? No problem. Over on Reddit, the NASCAR subreddit is buzzing with theories, debates, and just a pinch of off-season chaos.
One particular conspiracy has shifted into overdrive: the idea that NASCAR rigs Daytona 500 qualifying to create the juiciest headlines for Speedweeks. Sounds wild, right? But when you dig into the details, you might start to wonder if there’s more to it than just some bored fans passing the time.
The “Rigged Poles” conspiracy: Too good to be true?
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Let’s start with what’s got Reddit in a tizzy. The theory goes like this: NASCAR has been setting up the Daytona 500 pole-sitters for years to maximize hype heading into the season’s biggest race. As one fan neatly summed up:
“The idea that the pole sitter was predetermined to give the biggest story going into Speedweeks. Started in 2013 where Danica became the first woman to win the pole, then in 2014 Austin Dillon wins in the return of the #3, 2015 saw Jeff Gordon win after announcing his retirement. 2016 Chase Elliott wins, making him the youngest winner and continuing the 24 legacy.”
It’s a compelling sequence of events, and for fans with a sharp eye for patterns, it raises eyebrows. First, there was Danica Patrick in 2013. The first woman to win a Daytona 500 pole? Of course, that was headline gold. Some fans think it was just too perfect. One wrote:
“Danica was 1000% gifted the pole. Which, to be honest, I’d give her the pole as well.”
Next up, 2014 saw Austin Dillon take the top spot in the iconic No. 3 car, the same number Dale Earnhardt Sr. made famous. It was the car’s big return to Daytona after Earnhardt Sr.’s tragic 2001 crash. Coincidence? Some fans think not.
Then came Jeff Gordon in 2015, winning the pole in his final Daytona 500. A perfect farewell moment for one of the sport’s all-time greats. Jeff Gordon is a 4x Cup Series-winning driver, and an iconic pole to send off a legend sounds like great PR for NASCAR; at least, that’s what some fans thought.
The following year saw Chase Elliott, the youngest pole-sitter in Daytona history, take over Jeff Gordon’s legendary No. 24 car and keep the storyline alive.
Naturally, skeptics have chimed in. “How the hell could you rig group qualifying?” one fan asked. But the theorists have answers ready:
“Extra few horsepower or wider restrictor plate holes for the driver they want on the pole.”
Can NASCAR really rig horsepower and restrictor plates? It sounds awfully far-fetched, as other drivers would have probably noticed the same, but that’s what ‘conspiracy’ theories are made of.
While it’s easy to dismiss the idea as a fun off-season distraction, the theory has its passionate believers. Some even point to NASCAR’s need to keep things exciting for casual fans. After all, who wouldn’t want a headline-worthy story to kick off the season?
Still, as one user joked:
“If it was rigged, it sure as hell isn’t anymore. They would never let Bowman get the front row all those years in a row 😂😂.”
Alex Bowman won the pole at the iconic race in 2018,2021 and 2023 as well as six consecutive starts in the front row since 2018!
The theories about the Daytona 500 were wild enough, but they didn’t top there. Fans on the subreddit added fuel to the fire to existing conspiracy theories revolving around driver suspensions and cars influencing the weather!
Other wild theories keeping fans busy
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Of course, Daytona isn’t the only topic fueling conspiracy chats. The NASCAR subreddit is a goldmine of bizarre and hilarious theories, and fans are diving in headfirst.
One favorite is the infamous “Vortex Theory.” The idea? Cars circling an oval at top speed create a wind vortex that somehow holds off rain. As one fan put it:
“There has to be something to this. The rain holds off until a caution or pit stops way too often.”
Another added:
“Someone should really investigate this. Maybe it only works at certain tracks or pavements.”
Rain manipulation by race cars? It certainly lacks any scientific base, but hey, when you’re desperate for racing content, why not?
Then there’s the Jeremy Mayfield saga. His suspension in 2009 for allegedly testing positive for methamphetamine has spawned endless debates. Some fans even believe NASCAR framed Mayfield to silence him over dirt he supposedly had on the France family, who own the sport. One theory floating around claims:
“Jeremy Mayfield had dirt on the France family, and they framed him with the meth bust.”
The controversy surrounding Mayfield’s suspension has all the ingredients of a Hollywood drama: conflicting test results, mysterious accusations, and years of unresolved tension. Whether it’s fact or fiction, it keeps popping up in fan discussions.
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And then there’s this gem of a theory about the subreddit itself:
“One of the NASCAR higher-ups posts this thread every so often to find out what we know too much about. And has a nicely curated hit list of anyone getting too close to the truth.”
You’ve got to admire the creativity of these fans. While most of us might tune into other sports during the offseason, NASCAR fans like to keep the rumor mill busy.
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While some of these theories are as shaky as a loose lug nut, they show just how passionate NASCAR fans are. Even when there’s no racing, they find ways to keep the conversation alive. So, as we wait for the engines to roar back to life, the question remains: Are these just off-season antics, or is there a tiny spark of truth buried in the chaos? Either way, NASCAR fans know how to keep things interesting—even when the tracks are quiet.

NASCAR drivers were pulled out of their comfort zone last weekend at the Award Ceremony at Charlotte Convention Center. Used to wear the fire suits every weekend, last Friday the drivers had to suit up to mark their presence at the special event. Although the award ceremony was the main agenda of the evening, the Red Carpet show certainly became the talking point among the NASCAR community.
Not only drivers but their better halves added more glamour at the red carpet event. Previously we saw fans rating the drivers in comparison to their husbands and boyfriends, but the contest was between the women this time around. Well, it was hard to pick out a single lady from the event that stood out from the rest of the pack, but it seems like Kenny Wallace has made up his mind.
Kenny Wallace feels Ryan Blaney’s fiancee Gianna Tulio was the class of the field at the NASCAR Awards
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Apart from posing for photos on the red carpet, the hosts handed a miniature mic to the couples and asked them what they were wearing. The idea was to let the fans know what designer clothes or brands they choose to wear for this special occasion. Well, only a few of them had an idea, and Blaney’s fiancee Gianna Tulio was one of them.
Impressed by Tulio’s outfit and the way she carried herself on the red carpet, Wallace stated, “So who was the most bougie? So my award for the most bougie wife was Ryan Blaney’s wife. She’s a beautiful lady and Ryan and her, they looked great. But she was the one that, when they said, What are you wearing? And she’s like, I’m wearing whatever it is, and she did really well.”
For a moment, Wallace forgot that Tulio and Blaney are not married, and he quickly came to realize that. “She’s Ryan Blaney’s girlfriend, and the other is, no, they are married, aren’t they? Respond right here. I don’t know I can’t keep up… So the bougie award goes to Ryan Blaney and his wife; they were all in; they knew the name. The rest are just us rednecks; I’m telling you, man, some stuff made me laugh.”
Stitched By Mitch was a popular choice among the drivers, with Ryan Blaney, Tyler Reddick, Austin Cindric, and Kyle Larson all wearing suits from the Charlotte-based designer. On the other half of this event, Joey Logano gave a heartfelt message on why he is proud to be a NASCAR during his speech on the stage.
Joey Logano feels NASCAR is more than just a sport
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What could be more fulfilling to a race car driver than winning races or championships? After all, that’s the primary objective or the ambition of every driver or team fielding a car out on weekends. But only after winning multiple accolades and titles has Joey Logano finally understood his part in the schemes that are greater than him. For him, giving back to the community, helping out the needy, and inspiring others around him have made him more proud to be associated with NASCAR racing.
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During his speech, Logano mentioned how the NASCAR community did their bit in helping out people affected by the devastation of Hurricane Helen. “What we do on the race tracks sometimes, it’s kind of pointless, right? Drive around the circles and just end up in the same place. You kind of think about that; that’s kind of goofy. But if you take the opportunity that God’s given us to talk to people, to inspire others to live a life of generosity, that’s when these driving in circles isn’t just driving in circles anymore.”
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“When you think about what happened in Western North Carolina, I’d say at least one person at each table probably made a huge impact at some point for the Hurricane Helene victims. That, to me, is probably something that I’m most proud of and being a part of this industry. Like I said, I’m proud of winning; I’m proud of our team, but I’m most proud to be a part of a sport that really understands that we are a part of a larger plan,” Logano added.
Logano indeed spoke like a true champion, and these morals and cultural values are hard to find in other major sports.

The season might be over, but that won’t stop Christopher Bell from licking his wounds. Even though weeks have passed since the incident, the Joe Gibbs Racing driver will be feeling hard done by after the events at Martinsville Speedway in the penultimate Cup Series race of the season. The 29-year-old narrowly lost out on a place in the Championship 4 after being found guilty of wall riding on his way to the finish line, which was deemed as an illegal move by NASCAR after the race.
Christopher Bell was all set to progress into the final four, even though playoff rival William Byron ended up sixth. However, after a 27-minute delay in NASCAR’s verdict, the No. 20 Toyota Camry driver was relegated to 22nd place and was forced to come to terms with his elimination.
Was Christopher Bell at fault in Martinsville?
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Drama, chaos, and desperation. The closing laps at Martinsville Speedway seemed to have it all. While William Byron was scrambling to get a result at the short track, two Chevrolet drivers, namely Austin Dillon and Ross Chastain were busy assisting him by creating a blockade so that others would not be able to make a pass. If the Hendrick Motorsports driver had lost a position, he would have been eliminated from the playoffs. Meanwhile, Christopher Bell, who was desperate to gain a spot, hit the wall on his way to the checkered flag, a move that proved to be his undoing.
Revealing his thoughts about the incident at Martinsville Speedway, NASCAR journalist Jeff Gluck said, “The wall ride thing, again, that would not have been necessary if the Chevy cars did not form the blockade. They penalized Bell because of the wall ride which is obviously a mistake. He panicked at the moment. You know he got loose, hit the wall, and stayed in it. Stayed in the gas for a couple of seconds. His mistake. He paid for it dearly.”
Meanwhile, The Athletic’s Jordan Bianchi went on to say, “The moment to me that stands out, standing on the pit road for 27 minutes. William Byron over here, Christopher Bell over here. Felt like this weird game show. Who’s gonna win?”
Understandably, Christopher Bell was furious at NASCAR’s verdict. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver said in the post-race interview, “I feel cheated out of a chance to compete for a championship.” What makes the sanctioning body’s verdict even more puzzling is that they found Ross Chastain and Austin Dillon guilty of race manipulation, with each of them being fined $100,000 and being docked 50 points along with suspension for three crew members. Yet, the decision was not overturned in the 29-year-old’s favor, presumably because Bubba Wallace was found guilty of slowing down for Bell as well.
Wallace claimed that his tire got loose, which caused him to slow down and let Bell pass. However, after a thorough investigation, NASCAR deemed Wallace to be part of the manipulation game and fined him as well, suspending his crew chief, Bootie Barker, ahead of his last race as crew chief for the #23.
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Christopher Bell had been one of the most consistent drivers throughout the 2024 Cup Series season. Despite not winning a race in the playoffs, the Oklahoman was on top of the playoff standings on points going into the race in Martinsville, but a combination of bad luck combined with some sinister actions forced his elimination. With the hard work of an entire season coming undone in an instant, the 29-year-old was visibly disappointed when he said, “I believe cheated is the right word. We go through sessions at the beginning of the year to make sure that we don’t do this, and that unfortunately is what happened. And I was on the losing side of it.”
While nothing can be done about the misfortunes of the 2024 season, Bell was optimistic about 2025 after JGR’s crew chief got a deserved promotion.
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Bell shares his thoughts on Joe Gibbs Racing’s internal reshuffle
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A lot has been going on behind the scenes at Joe Gibbs Racing. Denny Hamlin was recently forced to part ways with his crew chief Chris Gabehart, who was promoted to the new Team Competition Director. Ty Gibbs’ crew chief Chris Gayle will be joining the No. 11 Toyota team as a replacement for 2025 and beyond, as the team looks to make improvements after a disappointing second half of the 2024 Cup Series campaign.
Joe Gibbs Racing failed to win a race after Christopher Bell’s triumph at New Hampshire, which prompted the No. 20 Toyota driver to say, “It has the potential to help out all the teams. Chris Gabehart is an incredibly smart person. He was a huge asset to the #11 car and I think moving him to oversee the crew chiefs and be able to provide input, and knowledge, and keep all the teams in line, is a solid move. And I think it has the potential to increase the performance of all the teams”
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With the team going 18 races without a win, there is room for improvement in several areas that Chris Gabehart will need to focus on. Meanwhile, Christopher Bell, who has made it to the Championship 4 twice in the last three years will be analyzing his performances ahead of the 2025 season. The 29-year-old has the potential to become a future championship winner, but can he pull off some clutch results next year to end Team Penske’s dominance at NASCAR’s highest level? Time will tell.

After a thrilling end to the 2024 season, NASCAR will be celebrating its champions this week in Charlotte. The highly anticipated NASCAR Awards ceremony will be held at the Charlotte Convention Center’s Grand Ballroom. While the likes of Joey Logano, Justin Allgaier, and Ty Majeski will all be part of the main event, there are some special awards that NASCAR will hand out this Friday.
Here are all the important details you would want to know about the awards ceremony. Right from time, channel, and the categories of awards. So without any further ado, let’s dive into key highlights about the NASCAR Awards you wouldn’t want to miss.
How to watch the 2024 NASCAR Awards ceremony?
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The Red Carpet show is going to be aired on NASCAR.com, NASCAR’s YouTube channel, and NASCAR’s social media handles. The show is going to be hosted by Jessie Punch and Alex Weaver. This event is expected to run until 6.m. ET before the main event kicks off at the Charlotte Convention Center.
However, those who want to watch the ceremony on TV will have to wait for an additional two days. The repeat telecast of the entire award show will be aired on the CW network on Sunday, 24th November 2024. Cities like New York, Las Vegas, and Nashville, but this time around NASCAR will be honoring its star in its own backyard in Charlotte.
In addition to celebrating the champions across the three series, NASCAR will hand out special awards to noteworthy figures. We have the Comcast Community Champion of the Year award, which celebrates an individual’s efforts that impact the local communities. Erik Jones, NASCAR employee Scott Crowell, and Charlotte Motor Speedway employee Susan McKee are the finalists for this year.
Of course, all eyes will be on the National Motorsports Press Association’s (NMPA) Most Popular Driver award. Chase Elliott is the favorite to clinch this title for a seventh consecutive year, while Justin Allgaier from Xfinity Series could bag his fifth one. For the first time, a Truck Series driver will also be included in this segment.
You also have the Bill France Award for Excellence, the Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award, and the NMPA Myers Brothers Award, which are all going to be featured during the ceremony. So there’s a lot to look out for other than just drivers being celebrated for their accomplishments.
The awards allow the fans to see a different side of the driver and other notable NASCAR personalities. Over the years, they have taken fans by surprise, so let’s look back at some memorable moments that NASCAR Awards have delivered.
Memorable NASCAR Award moments
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It’s almost impossible to compile the best of the best moments from the NASCAR awards. However, we’ve tried to highlight a few notable ones that stand out and are still vivid within the NASCAR community.
#1: Dale Earnhardt ties the record of seven titles alongside Richard Petty
The 1994 awards saw drivers from two generations sharing a common stage and achievement. It was indeed a big deal; people thought no one would be able to come close to Richard Petty’s sheer dominance in terms of championship wins. Butthe Intimidator certainly broke that barrier with the #3 team and drew level with “The King” himself. “That was the feat I thought would never be tied,” Earnhardt said, tipping his hat to Petty. Since then, only Jimmie Johnson has managed to break into this exclusive group with his seven championship wins.
#2: Jeff Gordon raises a toast to Dale Earnhardt
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In 1995, Dale Earnhardt was involved in an epic battle on the racetrack against the young Jeff Gordon. The HMS star did receive the typical intimidator treatment by his rival, but he certainly had the last laugh, bagging his first title. Earnhardt had previously joked that if Gordon won the championship, he would raise a toast for everyone with milk. Well, the HMS star certainly made the most of the opportunity and brought out a glass of milk on the award stage for the toast. Even Dale Earnhardt got up on his feet to celebrate Jeff Gordon’s maiden triumph.
#3: Kyle Busch’s epic entry alongside his 6-month-old son Brexton
Kyle Busch has had a tough time trying to garner the support of the NASCAR fans. He always used to be amped up and was unapologetic in the way he raced. However, in 2015, for the first time, fans got a glimpse of his real personality when he shared the award stage with his wife Samantha and 6-month-old son Brexton. Rowdy donned a classic black Tuxedo with a bow tie and black sunglasses, whereas baby Busch was also twinning with his dad.
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If you were tasked with rating your top 3 NASCAR Awards moments, which moments would you include? And among the three mentioned above, can they be replaced with your pick?

Former IndyCar and NASCAR driver Danica Patrick was on a sabbatical from her broadcasting duties for the Formula 1 races. But she was seen back in action with Formula 1 returning to North America. The race in Austin, Texas, was her first appearance with Sky Sports after the long break, followed by her presence at the Mexican Grand Prix.
Now that the Formula 1 paddock has returned to Sin City, Danica Patrick is once again on the Sky Sports broadcaster’s line-up. The official social media handle of Sky Sports shared the visuals of the broadcasting team for the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Martin Brundle, Simon Lazenby, and Danica were seen enjoying the scenic view of the city from an airplane.
“Is that the Hoover Dam?!” 🌊Martin, Danica, and Simon taking the scenic route to the Vegas track ✈” Sky Sports shared the promotional post about the race. Although Danica Patrick has made a name for herself racing in North America, the fans don’t receive her well. Be it from NASCAR or the IndyCar. Patrick is infamous for stirring up controversies, and this is one of the major reasons why fans dislike her.
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Therefore, when Sky Sports dropped the promotional video, fans were quick to share their opinion on Danica’s inclusion in the presenter’s lineup. What further enraged the fans was the fact that former F1 driver and reputed broadcaster Damon Hill was snubbed while Patrick found her spot.
Fans threaten to boycott watching the Vegas race because of Danica Patrick
Last year the Lad Vegas race was being aired on the ESPN network and had a rather odd start timing to aid the European fans. But despite an early morning start time, the event garnered a good viewership of 1.32 million views. However, Danica making her return for another F1 race with Sky isn’t something this fan is looking forward to. Making a bold prediction with the threat of not watching the race on Sky, the fan wrote this on X, “Danica = not watching.”
The media landscape has certainly changed in the past decade or so. With the growth of streaming networks, young fans in general are attracted to watching live sports with easy internet access. Although Danica is going to be on Sky Sports, this fan has found an alternative to ditch her presence and enjoy F1 racing. “Danica is the worst. Glad I re-upped my F1 TV so I no longer need to watch her.” The F1 TV Pro allows the fans to stream the races along with exclusive insights about the race.
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Usually, the presenters and announcers have a contract signed by the media company that allows them to feature in sporting events. Of course, the feedback and audience response are the crucial factors that determine the line-up. But despite the constant peppering, Danica somehow bags a new gig, but how come this is possible? Well, this user on X just might have an answer for that, “I assume Patrick must have a contract or something that you guys have to honour, I’ve never seen a media company stick by such a blatantly awful pundit, that brings no extra insight or value to the company and only serves to be controversial, but not in a remotely relevant way.”
Apart from Damon Hill, it looks like Martin Brundle is also on his way out of the Sky Network to present F1 races from next year. This trend of the network snubbing former drivers and industry veterans got this fan fuming. In response, the race fan wrote, “@SkySportsF1 losing of Damon Hill and retaining Danica Patrick is absolute madness. Hill the 1996 #Formula1 World Champion, with 115 Grand Prix starts, 22 race wins, 42 podiums, 20 pole positions & 19 fastest laps. Vs Danica Patrick with 0 F1 entries. Make it make sense.”
Now it is indeed hard to imagine fans not tuning in to watch a race just because they dislike a presenter. Well, as baffling as it might sound, there are a few staunch Danica Patrick haters who would rather watch the race highlights over the live broadcast feat. “…aaand one of those is the reason I’ll be watching C4F1 highlights. 👍”
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What are your plans for the Las Vegas F1 weekend? And what are your thoughts about Danica Patrick being featured on the Sky Sports roster? Do let us know in the comments.

Every year, NASCAR teams and drivers gather to celebrate the season at the NASCAR Awards Banquet. It was at the 2011 banquet that Tony Stewart and Jimmie Johnson pulled off an unforgettable prank. The audience was stunned and buzzing for days after what began as a traditional awards show turned into hilarity.
There was nothing ordinary about this year for NASCAR. Stewart just won the Sprint Cup Series championship after narrowly beating Carl Edwards in a tiebreaker. It was hard for Johnson to deal with falling short after dominating for five seasons. There was excitement surrounding Stewart’s victory as well as optimism surrounding Johnson’s drive for reinvention. With a single announcement from the host, the banquet took a turn for the weird.
Tony Stewart and Jimmie Johnson’s Unforgettable Prank
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An otherwise formal evening was lightheartedly broken up by NASCAR’s camaraderie. The duo delivered a moment that reminded everyone in attendance of the joy and unpredictability NASCAR brings on and off the track. For Johnson, there was a layer of poignancy behind the laughter. After the 2011 season, he ended a record-breaking championship streak that made him a living legend. Instead of focusing on Stewart’s win, it focused on the bonds between competitors. The atmosphere was competitive but respectful, with a hint of humor thrown in.
Jimmie Johnson came on stage as a living legend. He already had four consecutive years of winning the Cup Series Championship. However, while Tony Stewart won the trophy in 2011, Johnson showed up at the awards ceremony to support his friend and rival Stewart.
The audience sat in eager anticipation as the host announced the head table honoree. “And the 2011 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion driver of the number 14 Office Depot, Mobil 1 Chevrolet of Stewart-Haas Racing, Tony Stewart…” A momentary pause followed, then the announcement repeated itself, each time more jumbled, with phrases like “Stewart-Horse Racing” thrown in for good measure. The crowd went a bit crazy until Tony Stewart showed up, grinning mischievously, to Jimmie Johnson‘s question. The driver needed no clarification on what just happened. He realized Tony Stewark had just pranked him.
via Getty SOUTH BOSTON, VIRGINIA – JUNE 25: Tony Stewart #14 climbs into his car prior to the Camping World Superstar Racing Experience event at South Boston Speedway on June 25, 2022 in South Boston, Virginia. (Photo by Jared Tilton/SRX/Getty Images)
He celebrated his championship with his characteristic flair but Johnson used his speech to showcase his competitive drive and outlook. Looking back on his five championships, Johnson expressed gratitude for the journey but also regretted 2011. “There’s an indescribable feeling of accomplishment that comes with being the champion,” he admitted, adding that it was tough not to experience it that year.
The moment was simply a reminder of the bond the two share. When Tony Stewart chose to call it quits at the end of the 2016 season, Johnson had a heartwarming message for his friend, asking him not to grow up. In an even more heartwarming moment, after Jimmie Johnson won the Championship race at Homestead-Miami and sealed his seventh title, he had a special gift for his friend. The two swapped their helmets as a reminder of all the memories they shared, and all the races they fought each other in.
For now, it’s time to see how Johnson took the 2011 defeat with grace.
It was a speech full of insights and gratitude
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Even though it was disappointing, Johnson maintained a positive tone, stressing that he was committed to rebuilding. Despite their dominance, he acknowledged that they had grown complacent because of their dominance. The competition had studied and adapted to strategies that once set the No. 48 team apart, forcing Johnson and his crew to face the reality of being caught. It was humbling, but it motivated them to keep pushing forward.
In his speech, Johnson praised Stewart’s achievement, calling it “the impossible” and congratulating his rival-turned-friend. He also talked about his future ambitions. He thanked Hendrick Motorsports and his sponsors, but it was clear he was focused on getting back on top. “I won’t be able to feel [the accomplishment of a championship] this year,” Johnson admitted, “but I’m really proud of the guy who will.”
Taking his loss in with grace, Jimmie Johnson went into the following seasons with a sense of greater energy to win the title once again. While 2012 didn’t go his way either, with the driver finishing 3rd in the Championship. He did manage to win the titles in 2013 and 2016, but the streak of winning back-to-back championships remains unbroken.
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It was also a nice chance for Johnson to reflect on his personal growth. The driver joked about his reluctant foray into social media and even poked fun at his on-track run-ins, including his failed attempt to crash Kurt Busch. It was clear, despite his humor, that the setbacks of 2011 would provide fuel for a comeback. Pranks like this one are fan-favorites in NASCAR lore, emblematic of the personalities that make it so fun. Aside from the laughs, the banquet captured a pivotal moment in both drivers’ careers. After a rare defeat, Stewart celebrated a hard-fought championship and Johnson was preparing to rewrite his story.

There is a crew chief shuffle at Joe Gibbs Racing. Chris Gabehart, the former crew chief for Denny Hamlin the past six seasons, will become Joe Gibbs Racing’s new competition director and Chris Gayle, the crew chief for the No. 54 squad, will take over crew chief duties for Hamlin’s No. 11 team. The new crew chief for the No. 54 will be announced at a later date.

NASCAR perhaps is one of the most misunderstood sports of all time. For the most part, people believe that NASCAR drivers either have to be rich or backed by a racing family to make it into the premier division of stock car racing. Basically, from an established American household or a family. While this might be true for the drivers who do end up finding a spot on the field on the weekends, this notion isn’t entirely true.
Here’s a look at prominent NASCAR stars who have had a successful career despite sharing non-American cultural roots.
What is Kyle Larson’s ethnicity? Yung Money’s American-Japanese ancestry
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Hendrick Motorsports star Kyle Larson is arguably the face of NASCAR racing in the modern era. While he has yet to reach the heights of legendary drivers like Dale Earnhardt, Jeff Gordon, or Jimmie Johnson, he certainly is on the right path. Having bagged a Cup Series title and notched up race wins for fun, Larson is one of those gems who seems to be cut out, especially for racing.
But did you know, apart from being the poster boy for NASCAR, the Elk Grove native also happens to be Japanese American? Now do not bombard his social media feed with questions in Japanese, as he can’t speak a word of it. Larson’s Japanese roots can be traced to his mother, Janet. During World War II, her parents spent time in a Japanese internment camp.
Although the driver doesn’t speak about it much, he certainly has helped diversify the sport since his arrival. “I do feel like I’m making some sort of an impact. I’ve noticed more Aisnas at the racetracks these days than when I started.” Unlike the majority of NASCAR drivers in the modern era, Kyle Larson came from a working household, and his racecraft, skill, and dedication towards his craft have helped him garner all the love and support he enjoys today.
via Imago NORTH WILKESBORO, NC – MAY 21: Kyle Larson 5 Hendrick Motorsports HendrickCars.com Chevrolet celebrates after winning the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series All-Star Race on May 21, 2023 at North Wilkesboro Speedway in North Wilkesboro, NC. Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire AUTO: MAY 21 NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2305211324
What is Daniel Suarez’s ethnicity? Meet the first Mexican-turned-American NASCAR driver?
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Next in line, we have our very own amigo of NASCAR, Daniel Suarez. He is the first Mexican-born driver to win a NASCAR National Series championship. While NASCAR fans have taken their time to completely welcome him to the sport, he is now a household name. Breaking on the Cup Series stage, he doesn’t shy away from his Mexican roots as he smashes a taco piñata after his race wins.
He has driven his way up to the Cup Series level and is now a seasoned driver representing Trackhouse Racing in the No. 99 car. “I sincerely feel very proud and happy to be in this position, representing Latin America in the great sport of NASCAR. It’s a great honor to be a Mexican in the top category of NASCAR. It has been a long journey, but I am very happy and proud to be in this position.” Suarez said this while speaking to Hola.
It has to be noted that Suarez was confirmed as a U.S. citizen this year. So now, he’s not only Amigo but also a Cowboy, and that certainly has a nice ring to it.
USA Today via Reuters Feb 16, 2022; Daytona, FL, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Daniel Suarez (99) during qualifying for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
What is Brad Keselowski’s ethnicity? The Michigan resident with Polish ancestry
Brad Keselowski is one of the most respected NASCAR drivers in the Cup garage. He is one of the rare breed of drivers who not only excelled as a racer but also as a team owner. While a lot has changed in the sport, Keselowski has always stuck by Ford and has been loyal to their race program. As it turns out, it’s something that runs with his family, and it started when his grandfather migrated to the United States in the hopes of finding a job at a Ford factory.
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The veteran driver took a stroll down memory lane while speaking with Stapleton42 and revealed his family’s background. “My family, obviously a Polish descent family, immigrated and came here to work for Henry Ford. That’s how they got to the Detroit area, and Rochester Hills is a suburb of Detroit. World War II broke out, some different things happened, and they actually moved up here to the suburbs because my grandfather was a drill bit maker.”
Now, Brad’s father was a racer, which saw him gravitate towards the love for race cars. A young Brad Keselowski would often spend time helping his father at the garage. Moreover, being exposed to NASCAR racing further sparked his desire to follow in his father’s footsteps. He even vividly remembers watching the 1992 championship race. “We had one chair, a couch, and a little bit of floor space. My spot was on the floor, right in front of the TV. I remember watching the ’92 championship race right there on that floor.”
via Imago Image Credits: Imago
It is fair to say that Brad Keselowski exceeded expectations throughout his racing career. A veteran of the sport, he is now a perfect role model for young and upcoming drivers.

We’ve all heard the saying that NASCAR is well past its prime years. There was an era when the premier stock car racing series was a hub for companies and businesses to feature themselves on the big stages. A whole bunch of Fortune 500 companies lined up to sponsor NASCAR race cars, but that isn’t the case anymore. In fact, the sport has also lost a bunch of its OEM partners and is now running with just three.
On the other hand, Formula 1 is quickly growing out to become a popular motorsport among the young American race fans. Ever since Liberty Media Corporation has taken over the ownership, they’ve expanded to four events in the United States. Meanwhile, their Netflix documentary “Driver to Survive” has been a huge hit among the viewers. Not only fans, but the current NASCAR OEMs are also flocking to get the bite of the F1 cherry.
It’s not that NASCAR hasn’t been trying to attract new partners and manufacturers to the sport. But the appeal on the F1 side looks tempting, and that is evident with NASCAR OEMs increasing collaboration with them.
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Horsepower buff isn’t enough to lure in OEM partners
General Motors sub-brand Cadillac has been in the news for their attempts to enter the F1 paddock as the 11th team with Andretti Motorsports. While the initial plea had been rejected by a unanimous decision of the current 10 team owners, there’s still a prospect of GM entering F1 alongside the Andretti family. If we are to go with the latest updates, GM can enter Formula 1 as early as 2026, and this just goes to show how appealing the F1 brand of racing is for OEMs and sponsors.
Ford, on the other hand, is eyeing a return to enter F1 racing after an absence of over two decades. They have struck a partnership with Red Bull to develop a long-term strategic partnership for the development of a next-gen hybrid power unit. This new engine unit is expected to be used from the 2026 Formula 1 season onwards. Oracle Red Bull Racing and the satellite team Scuderia Alpha Tauri will both receive this new engine unit.
Lastly, Toyota is also following in Ford’s footsteps by entering Formula 1 racing after a 15-year absence. The Japanese automaker will be partnering with the US-based Haas Team. Toyota branding will be visible on the Haas race cars starting for the race in Texas in October. However, the team will use Ferrari engines as they have an agreement that runs until 2028.
Meanwhile, NASCAR has designed a race car that promotes parity racing and has tapered the engine output on their race car. The mission statement behind launching the Next-Gen race car was to attract more manufacturers to NASCAR. However, all hope is not lost yet, as NASCAR just might be closing on a deal that will increase their OEM partner number to four.
Is Honda joining NASCAR as its new OEM partner?
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2012 was the last year when NASCAR had a total of four OEMs competing for the big prize. However, with Dodge taking the exit door, only Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota were the options for the teams to choose from. Time and again there have been rumblings of new OEMs touted to join NASCAR, and Honda is the name that has surfaced quite a lot. The rumor mills were running in overdrive, trying to link that Japanese automaker to NASCAR and predicting how long it would take them to enter.
“We’re looking for a wholesale change to the engine regulations so that we can eliminate fives and tens of millions of dollars of annual technical costs, because if we don’t, then it’s too much money, and we will go do something else. That something else could be NASCAR or a further investment in our Formula 1 effort. Or something that isn’t motorsports at all.” Honda Motorsports Manager Chuck Schifsky said this to Racer.
Although NASCAR didn’t approve of these links, they did acknowledge that they are in talks with a potential OEM partner. “Yeah, we’ve had a number of discussions. We’re in different phases depending on the OEs (manufacturers). I won’t get into exactly where those are and who they are, but we have an OE that is close… I think, in our opinion, five is probably the right number of OEs. Obviously, we’re at three right now. We are a couple of years away.” NASCAR president Steve Phelps said this ahead of the championship race in Phoenix.
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Considering the footprint F1 has managed to establish with its revival project, this is something NASCAR can follow up on. They have their own Netflix series going along with an international points race next year. Not to forget, they did sign a mega $7.7 billion TV deal, but will this be enough to lure new partners? Only time will tell.

Chase Elliott has done it again. The Hendrick Motorsports driver won the Most Popular Driver Award for the seventh year in a row, a rare positive in what has otherwise been a lackluster season. The No. 9 Chevy driver finished the year seventh in the driver standings, with just one victory at Texas Motor Speedway during the regular season. However, that hasn’t affected his popularity in any way, as fans selected the 28-year-old for the prestigious award.
However, Chase Elliott still has big shoes to fill. Despite being just behind Richard Petty and Bobby Allison, who have eight awards each, his father, Bill Elliott, holds the record with 16 victories. While it may seem inconsequential to some, the MPD Award is an important one for the 28-year-old and his family, who have a legacy to maintain given their history with this particular accolade.
Chase Elliott was in attendance at the 2024 NASCAR Awards with Ashley Anderson. According to unconfirmed reports, the pair made their first public appearance after parting ways earlier this year, sparking speculation on social media about their romance being rekindled once again. Rumors suggest that the duo first started dating after Elliott split with his ex-girlfriend Kaylie Greene, even though the pair were friends long before being in a relationship, having grown up in the same area.
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NASCAR fans unimpressed by Chase Elliott’s MPD triumph
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Fans were livid at the fact that Chase Elliott won the award yet again, claiming his contributions to the sport are nowhere near what they should be. “This guy does nothing to promote the sport in the slightest and has the personality of drywall. how does he keep winning these things?” Lamenting his personality as well, another fan added, “Should be ‘And the award for best monotone driver while watching paint dry is!’”
Elliott’s popularity was at an all-time high when he won the 2020 Cup Series Championship, but since then, fans feel there are more deserving winners of this award. The 2021 and 2023 Champions (Kyle Larson and Ryan Blaney) were mentioned as deserving recipients of the award by one fan who said, “Literally the last person I think of when I hear nascar. Blaney or larson should of got it. At the least”
Being popular is often associated with being in the public eye more often than not. Chase Elliott is just about the opposite of that, with one fan claiming he is virtually hidden amongst NASCAR circles, saying, “What’s funny is that NASCAR’s “most popular driver” is a virtual recluse.”
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With Elliott’s father having the most awards of all time in this category, it is no surprise some fans feel the award is pre-decided in the HMS #9’s favor, saying, “Yeah it’s rigged”

Dale Earnhardt Jr. and JR Motorsports finally grabbed their fourth NASCAR Xfinity title. This win felt like redemption since it is their first since 2018, and after multiple final 4 heartbreaks, they finally get to pop the victory champagne. On November 9, Dale Jr.’s veteran made an exceptional comeback after he fell a lap down midway through the race, and all hope looked lost.
JR Motorsports veteran Justin Allgaier met with a flat tire and consecutive penalties and still managed to get back through the field before surpassing Austin Hill and Cole Custer on an overtime restart. Having made the pass, the No. 7 Chevrolet survived a double overtime restart and clinched his first victory at the Phoenix Raceway. “This is mind-blowing, it is,” Allgaier said. “We tried to give it away every way we could.” It is needless to say that Dale Earnhardt Jr. was beyond happy. However, as it turns out, he had some bad news in store too.
Dale Jr. reveals Justin Allagier’s future
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Peter Stratta took to his official X account and shared a clip of Dale Earnhardt Jr. from the Red Carpet at the NASCAR Awards. He spoke about how special the night was and it was all because of Justin Allgaier. He went on to add how they had won championships before, but this was different since it would be their last year. Talking about JR Motorsports, he said, “We want to be a great organization that you’re here just for a short time and you go on and graduate and move up.” He stated that they have worked well, helping people achieve the opportunity beyond the Xfinity series. However, after the win, the fans were hoping Justin Allgaier to go for the ultimate championship – the Cup Ride.
But as it seems, he will be deprived of the title every driver wishes to acquire. The owner of JR Motorsports has his final verdict. “Justin is ours, Justin is with us. He’s going to retire with us.” Appreciating him once again, he stated how Allgaier has had to take the back seat, giving the spotlight to the up-and-rising stars, despite his outstanding run since 2016. They have made sure to thank him time and again, adding how he has inspired young drivers, Dale Jr. added, “Whether they realize it or not, he’s made an impact on their lives and who they are and how they how they, you know, approach their job.”
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While Dale Earnhardt Jr. might be filled with praises for Justin Allgaier, it was undoubtedly a moment as emotional as it could be for the driver!
Justin Allgaier bags the title after fourteen long years
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Justin Allgaier has been the most consistent driver of JRM since 2016. Despite 6 appearances in the championship 4 prior to 2024, the veteran never managed to take the top prize. But after fourteen years, he finally ended up taking home the title with him. This potentially being his last year, the 38-year-old had already given up hope, but well, looks like the end was to be a beautiful one for him.
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Talking to the CW broadcast, the Illinois native got emotional. “My wife and my kids, they have given up so much for me to come do this job and God’s good man. I said it all weekend I don’t know what the plan is, I don’t know what that looks like,” he said.
Discussing deserving champions in any sport can spark debates, especially in playoff systems that sometimes overshadow season-long consistency. However, Justin Allgaier stands as a shining example of a deserving champion. He embodies the essence of motorsport through his dedication, skill, and sportsmanship. Beyond just stats or wins, Allgaier represents everything good about the sport, earning the respect of fans and peers alike. What are your thoughts on his win? Let us know in the comments section below!

The rumors have been circulating for months. Despite William Byron and Erin Blaney being in a relationship since 2019, speculation has been rife about the couple parting ways for reasons that are unknown. The Hendrick Motorsports driver was the only one at the 2024 NASCAR Awards without his partner, intensifying claims that all is not well between the two. Could there be any truth behind the conjectures, or is there an alternate explanation behind the situation?
As expected, NASCAR fans took to social media to reach conclusions based on William Byron’s solo appearance. Time will tell if the No. 24 Chevy driver has indeed parted ways with Erin Blaney, which will confirm whether the longstanding relationship between the two is alive or at an end.
A sneak peek into William Byron and Erin Blaney’s relationship
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It’s no secret that William Byron has been in a long-term relationship. The North Carolina native began dating Erin Blaney in October 2019, while Ryan Blaney was blissfully unaware of their love interest. The Team Penske driver ultimately came to know about their brewing romance through a friend and was initially disappointed at not being told about the couple sooner. However, the 2023 Cup Series champion eventually came to terms with their bond and wholeheartedly supported them.
Speaking to NBC Sports, Ryan Blaney said, “I mean, people always ask me, ‘Are you mad that Will is dating your sister?’ I don’t care, she’s 22 and can do whatever she wants. And I like him. So it’s all good.” Erin Blaney graduated from McGuinness Catholic High School and went on to pursue higher education at the University of Alabama from 2015 to 2019. Her focus was on public health education while also doing a minor in advertising. Apart from her studies, she has also served as Executive Director of the Ryan Blaney Family Foundation, raising awareness for Alzheimer’s disease and concussions.
Having come from a racing family, Erin Blaney is no stranger to the NASCAR world. Her grandfather, Lou Blaney, was a dirt track racer, while her father, David Blaney, competed in stock cars. Naturally, she also fell for a racing driver, who was none other than Hendrick Motorsports’ William Byron. After seeing each other for a month, the couple made their relationship official on social media in November 2019 and celebrated their third anniversary in 2022 with a post, in which Erin Blaney wrote, “I’ve spent 3 years with my best friend. There’s nothing like this.”
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hendrick Motorsports (@teamhendrick)
Given how close the pair are, it’s puzzling why Erin Blaney didn’t accompany William Byron at the 2024 NASCAR Awards. The pair unfollowed each other on social media months ago, which initially sparked speculation regarding a split between the two. With the No. 24 Chevy driver making a solo appearance, those rumors have gained even more traction, as NASCAR fans took to social media and shared thoughts regarding the HMS driver’s relationship status.
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NASCAR fans speculate the reason behind Byron’s solo appearance
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As expected, it didn’t take long for NASCAR fans to reach conclusions after William Byron went to the 2024 NASCAR Awards without his long-term partner Erin Blaney. Acknowledging that the North Carolina native had a good thing going on with Ryan Blaney’s sister, a fan said, “Willy B fumbled the bag”, indicating that the racing driver may have been at fault for the couple parting ways. While the rest of the drivers showed up with their wives and girlfriends, the Hendrick Motorsports driver looked unfazed despite not having a plus one, prompting one fan to write, “Shout out to Willy B showing up alone.”
While breakups are often a painful experience for those involved, a fan couldn’t help but find the humor in the situation and went on to write on X, “Willy B being the only one going stag is so funny for some reason 😂.” Echoing that sentiment, another fan noted how confident the 26-year-old looked in front of the cameras and complimented the racing driver for not being daunted by the circumstances, saying, “Willy b is a one man show.”
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Despite speculation about their breakup being unconfirmed, a NASCAR fan asked William Byron a rhetorical question on Instagram, which read, “Is it awkward that your ex-girlfriend is your competitor/friend’s sister that you race every weekend?” While all signs point to the duo going their separate ways, photos of the couple are still present on both their Instagram profiles. Ultimately, time will provide more clarity about the ongoing situation between the couple, finally ending the rumors that are circulating on social media.

There’s no denying NASCAR has controversies, but the recent legal drama between 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports heightened tensions. The battle between the teams against NASCAR is over the ability to keep their charters for the 2025 Cup Series season. A federal court denied the teams’ preliminary injunction request, meaning the repercussions could be huge. It’s a high-stakes dispute with ramifications across the sport without charters, which could affect sponsorships, drivers’ futures, and overall finances.
Although 23XI Racing and Front Row originally appealed, they’ve since withdrawn their request for a preliminary injunction. It raises a lot of questions. Nevertheless, Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) has stepped into the spotlight by revealing its payout system, offering insight into the financial framework that keeps teams afloat.
Taking a look inside Joe Gibbs Racing’s payout model
In an Instagram reel, JGR President Dave Alpern outlined the four components of NASCAR’s purse distribution, emphasizing the mechanics that govern financial allocations for teams. “The first is fixed, which is, just as it sounds, a fixed amount. That’s the same for every team,” he began. Second, the race purse rewards on-track performance directly based on finishing positions. Alpern talked about the year-end points fund which distributes payouts based on final standings and the historical component.
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It factors in three years’ worth of performance. These four “buckets,” as he described them, form the financial backbone for NASCAR teams. NASCAR introduced the charter system in 2016 to stabilize team finances by guaranteeing Cup spots and ensuring consistent revenue. However, the upcoming 2025 agreement has reignited debates, especially over how well it addresses modern ownership challenges. It’s a double-edged sword for some. While it’s safe, it also imposes stringent limitations including restrictions on non-NASCAR events.
Joe Gibbs Racing‘s transparency comes at a good time since team owners expressed mixed reactions to the new charter. RCR Racing’s Richard Childress talked about the tough spot teams are in when navigating contracts. “I didn’t have a choice. We had to sign,” he stated. Rather than a preference, it was a necessity with over 400 employees and contractual obligations. As Justin Marks put it, “It’s a wait-and-see game.” For him, building a viable business under the current arrangement has been doable, but long-term implications remain unclear.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Joe Gibbs Racing (@joegibbsracing)
Brad Keselowski, co-owner of RFK Racing and active Cup Series driver, expressed a desire for unity within the industry. “I just want peace. I want our entire industry to become laser-focused on growing the sport,” he remarked. As he pointed out, the sport’s potential is tied to collaboration, but disputes over financial equity and governance keep stakeholders apart.
23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports’ antitrust lawsuit has brought these issues to the forefront, raising questions about how the sport is run. The teams’ demands for permanent charters, more intellectual property control, and a more equitable revenue split could change NASCAR’s business model. It would require significant concessions from NASCAR, whose current model centralizes power in a way that many say doesn’t foster true competition.
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Is NASCAR on the verge of something big?
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While this system provides a sense of predictability, it doesn’t address equity concerns. It’s been argued that historical performance metrics could favor established teams, displacing newer entrants. Furthermore, some payouts are fixed, so teams on tighter budgets have limited flexibility, adding another layer of complexity. This legal battle could have a lot of different outcomes.
What if NASCAR had to divest its track ownership because of antitrust concerns? Will this open it up to independent operators and rival series? If restrictive clauses loosened or the charter agreement changed, could teams get a bigger share of revenue?
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This plays in massively because NASCAR’s new media rights deal kicks in next year. The media revenue teams would receive was a key part of the charter negotiation process. At the moment, teams are set to receive 25% of the $7.7 billion, which comes to $275 million later split among teams. If Michael Jordan and Co. win the lawsuit, there may be changes to this part of the deal as well.
As the 2025 charter agreement verdict approaches in a few months, these questions loom large. It’s just as much about securing 23XI Racing‘s future as it is about changing the sport’s finances for teams like Front Row Motorsports. Basically, they’re on a mission to make sure all teams can thrive in a system that values innovation and competition, regardless of size or heritage. As of now, it’s all about the courtroom and the negotiations. While Joe Gibbs Racing’s explanation of the payout model gives valuable insight, it also shows how tough it can be to balance business interests with NASCAR’s competitive nature.

Brad Keselowski is set to reunite with crew chief Jeremy Bullins for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season. This announcement came from RFK Racing this Thursday.
Jeremy Bullins returns to Keselowski’s corner, rekindling a partnership that once propelled the pair to five victories, 23 top-five finishes, and 41 top-10 placements during their tenure with Team Penske.
Their collaborative efforts reached a pinnacle in 2020 when Keselowski was a strong competitor in the Championship 4, narrowly finishing second behind Chase Elliott. Victories included the Coca-Cola 600 and a triumph at Talladega Superspeedway, which placed Keselowski alongside legends like Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Jeff Gordon for the second-most wins at the iconic track.
Bullins commented on the reunion, stating:

It’s official, the countdown has begun. In anticipation of one of NASCAR’s most iconic reunions, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the legendary No. 8 Chevrolet are buzzing. Budweiser’s familiar paint scheme will return to the track after nearly two decades, marking a special chapter for the driver and the brand. Earnhardt Jr. will race the historic No. 8 Chevrolet in 2024 and 2025 adorned with the famous red-and-black Budweiser “King of Beers” paint scheme. It’ll all start at the South Carolina 400 at Florence Motor Speedway on November 23, 2024, a race fans are already planning to attend.
Earnhardt Jr. returns to his roots with the No. 8, which defined his career from 1999 to 2007. As Earnhardt Jr. acknowledges Budweiser’s special bond with him, the emotional significance is clear. It’s a great chance to reconnect with the brand and the racing legacy it represents. His relationship with Budweiser throughout the years makes this moment on the track special, marking a special chapter in his life.
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In a reminder post, Dale Jr. took to X to share a photo that read, “To everyone that loves reunions… this Bud’s for you.” In the image was also skeleton sim racing gloves, which instantly caught the eye of his fans. The response on social media was electric, with fans going gaga with excitement.
Beyond the racing excitement, this is another important moment in Budweiser’s NASCAR history. Anheuser-Busch has been synonymous with the sport for over 40 years, supporting legends like Earnhardt Jr. throughout his career. “There are names that when mentioned, draw on the significance of their place in American history. Among them, Budweiser, and Earnhardt,” said Matt Davis, Vice-President of Partnerships at Anheuser-Busch. This continued partnership is not just about looking back but also about honoring the legacy that both Dale Jr. and Budweiser have built in the motorsport world.
It seems Budweiser has a way of bringing back some of the greatest Dale Jr memories for NASCAR fans. Over a decade-and-a-half ago, Dale Earnhardt Jr. even appeared in an ad for the company at the Super Bowl. Driving his iconic #8 car in the commercial, a group of cars chased him through a setting right out of the ‘Mad Max’ movies. He even had to shake off one of his pursuers from the roof of his car, before coming to a halt. It’s at the end of the commercial where Earnhardt Jr.’s lines explained the pursuers simply wanted a Budweiser they thought was in the car.
It’s these memories that make the Bud-Dale Jr. combination so memorable for fans, who can’t get enough of the gloves and other memorabilia.
Fans react to Dale Jr’s post
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Not just because of the nostalgic paint scheme or the No. 8 car but because Dale Earnhardt Jr. keeps bringing the past to life while keeping fans interested. One fan summed it up perfectly, “Man, I need some skeleton sim racing gloves.” Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his fans keep their connection strong in preparation for this historic return.
Earnhardt Jr.’s initiative isn’t just about reviving a fan-favorite paint scheme, it’s about giving back. The return of the No. 8 car gives him the chance to connect with fans in a meaningful way, and his passion for philanthropy is well known. Earnhardt Jr. posted a reel on Instagram about auctioning off some of his personal Budweiser memorabilia, including things he’s had for a long time. Various items, from skateboards to die casts, have been part of his racing journey and now serve as a way for fans to take a piece home. One fan even joked about the timing of the reunion, reconsidering their attendance at their wedding, saying, “My wedding is the same date as Bud 8 return. What should I do?”
As Earnhardt Jr. explained, “People bring me old Bud items that they’ve collected over the years. If they made it, we’ve got it. We have prototypes, samples, and everything in between.” His sister Kelly and others from his foundation went through his storage to pick out items they thought fans would appreciate. These items, many of which have been in storage for over 20 years, will be auctioned off to raise money for the Dale Jr. Foundation. Knowing this, Dale Jr can certainly fulfill this fan’s request, who asked, “Can you please make the hat one that is sold to the public?”
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This auction is more than just a sale of collectibles. It’s a chance to support the foundation’s work. Over $8 million has been raised for various charities since the Dale Jr. Foundation started in 2007. There are five main areas the foundation focuses on: empowerment, education, wellness, hunger, and hope. Funds raised from the auction will help continue these initiatives and help communities across the country. Similarly, others gushed about their memorabilia, including one fan who shared, “I have a very cool Budweiser/junior lamp that’s made with a fire extinguisher for the base,”

After Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell is arguably the best dirt racer in the NASCAR Cup Series garage. Unlike the HMS star, Bell wasn’t allowed to participate in non-NASCAR races in his team. Historically, Joe Gibbs Racing has limited its driver’s participation in dirt racing. Their concerns were simple, they didn’t want their drivers to sustain injuries that would hamper their weekly output at NASCAR races.
This is something Rick Hendrick had to deal with when Alex Bowman got injured mid-season competing in the sprint car at a High Limit Racing event. However, something’s changed at Joe Gibbs Racing as Bell hinted that he would be returning on dirt tracks. “See you guys at a dirt track soon 😎.” Even the veteran team gave his permission, provided the conditions set by the team were met. “If they get approval from everyone they need on our competition side, then they are free to run the race.”
As it turns out, it’s not just dirt racing; the JGR drivers are also allowed to race in other disciplines of racing. But it makes you wonder why Coach eased the restrictions on his drivers. And it seems like his grandson Ty Gibbs might be the reason behind these changes in the team.
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Ty Gibbs is the key behind Christopher Bell’s return to dirt racing
Now we all know Bell is a top-class dirt racing driver. He won the iconic midget race event, the Chili Bowl, in 2017 and repeated this feat twice in 2018 and 2019. Thus becoming the only third driver to reach this milestone. However, since his arrival at JGR, Coach Gibbs has kept a close watch on his star driver, and he hasn’t competed in a dirt car since 2022.
However, with another passionate dirt racer, Chase Briscoe, joining the team, the momentum shifted in favor of the driver. But the deciding factor, in this case, could been Joe Gibbs’ grandson, Ty Gibbs, who’s recently grown fond of dirt racing. His passion for dirt racing alongside Bell and Briscoe could’ve been a deciding factor for Coach to allow his drivers to compete on dirt.
Justin Fiedler, on his YouTube show, shared the details on Ty Gibbs’ latest development and involvement in dirt racing. “Ty Gibbs has been racing micros at Millbridge since July, driving for Chad Boat. Boat is an easy connection since he uses TRD power in his midgets and has campaigned cars for Bell and Larson in the past.”
Fiedler also stated that Ty could be preparing for the Chili Bowl Nationals appearance with Chad Boat. It’s also known that the driver of the #54 JGR car was testing a 410s sprint car a few weeks ago in North Carolina. And guess what? HMS star Kyle Larson was in attendance to see Ty churn out some laps, potentially preparing for his big race in January.
USA Today via Reuters Jul 17, 2022; Loudon, New Hampshire, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Christopher Bell (20) celebrates winning the Ambetter 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Well, it’s tough to guess if Christopher Bell will be competing at the Chili Bowl to contest for his fourth crown. But the fact that he got permission from his team owners was something he didn’t expect.
Bell and Briscoe were surprised to see Joe Gibbs allowing them to compete on dirt tracks
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Apart from Denny Hamlin, all three current JGR drivers are fond of dirt racing. Ty Gibbs is slowly but steadily picking up pace in trying to get up to speed in a non-NASCAR set-up. Meanwhile, you have Bell and Briscoe, who are seasoned race car drivers who could use some seat time in a NASCAR era where practice sessions are pretty much non-existent.
Reacting to this new development, Bell while speaking to Jeff Gluck stated, “I was definitely caught off guard by the change of policy. I was super shocked, but with Chase coming on board and Ty growing an interest in dirt racing, it’s nice we have the majority of our team aligned with it now.”
Although Bell was caught by surprise by this new change in policy, Chase Briscoe felt that he knew something like this wasn’t out of his reach at JGR. “I could tell it wasn’t a hard ‘no,’ but it wasn’t something at the time they were super thrilled about. It didn’t feel like the door was shut completely; there was definitely a crack. But I didn’t know in my first year getting there, I would still be able to go do stuff if I wanted to.”
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None of the two JGR drivers confirmed that they were going to compete at the Chili Bowl. But, with more than two months left for the event, the prospect can’t be ruled out completely. Imagine the likes of Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell, Kyle Busch, Chase Briscoe, and Ty Gibbs competing at the Chili Bowl Nationals. The fans inside the SageNet center would be treated to a thrilling show of NASCAR drivers battling out on the dirt track.

November 21, 2004, was a day when sports fans across America had to make a tough choice. On one hand, the NFL offered a high-stakes matchup between the Buffalo Bills and the St. Louis Rams. On the other, NASCAR promised drama, intensity, and history with the season finale of its first-ever Chase for the Nextel Cup at Homestead-Miami Speedway. What unfolded wasn’t just a thrilling day of competition—it became a defining moment in NASCAR’s history, with a record 10 million viewers tuning in to witness one of stock car racing’s most dramatic title fights yet.
The Bills, the Rams, and NASCAR’s main event
For NFL fans, the game in Buffalo was memorable enough. The Bills dominated the Rams 37-17, fueled by standout performances on both defense and special teams. Terrence McGee electrified the home crowd with an 87-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, and Willis McGahee pounded the Rams’ defense with powerful runs, extending the Bills’ playoff hopes for another week.
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But as the clock ticked down in Buffalo, the real story of the day was unfolding on a 1.5-mile oval in South Florida. With its championship on the line, the inaugural “Chase for the Nextel Cup” was reaching its dramatic crescendo, and millions of fans across the country couldn’t look away.
Homestead-Miami Speedway had all the makings of a true racing spectacle that day. The 2004 Ford 400 was more than just the last race of the season; it was the ultimate test of NASCAR’s bold new playoff-style championship format. The stakes had never been higher, and the drivers in contention were some of the biggest names in the history of the sport.
Leading the championship was then-26-year-old Kurt Busch, driving for Jack Roush Racing and poised to secure his first title. But his lead was slim, with Jimmie Johnson breathing down his neck just 18 points back. NASCAR legends Jeff Gordon and Dale Earnhardt Jr. were also in the hunt, though Gordon, trailing by 21 points, had the stronger chance to challenge Busch.
The pressure was immense. For Busch, it was about seizing a career-defining moment. For Johnson, Gordon, and Junior, it was about snatching the championship away in the season’s dying moments. The Ford 400 promised heartbreak, triumph, and the kind of nail-biting drama that only motorsport can deliver.
And boy, did it deliver.
The race began with all eyes glued to the four title contenders. Then, chaos erupted and almost ruined everything for Kurt Busch. Early in the event, his car developed a terrifying vibration as his right front wheel worked itself loose. Busch barreled toward pit road with the car on the verge of calamity, narrowly avoiding a collision with the pit wall. It was a miracle he kept it together.
Busch’s crew worked feverishly to repair the car and send him back into the fight. It was a defining moment of grit and perseverance, setting the stage for what would become one of the most memorable finishes in NASCAR history.
The checkered flag belonged to Greg Biffle that day, but the story wasn’t about the race winner. As the laps wound down, the real race was in the points standings. Jimmie Johnson was putting up a valiant fight, finishing second in the race, but Busch’s fifth-place finish was just enough to secure the championship. The final margin? A razor-thin eight points—the closest title battle in NASCAR’s modern era at the time.
November 21, 2004: At Homestead, NASCAR crowned a champion under their 10-race playoff format for the first time
With 9.9 million viewers, it remains the most-watched NASCAR race ever that went against the NFL pic.twitter.com/FCfSKi6aDz
— nascarman (@nascarman_rr) November 21, 2024
After climbing out of his car, Busch could barely contain his emotions. “This is what a team does to win a championship—they persevere on a day such as this,” he said, crediting his crew chief Jimmy Fennig and his team’s determination. “Jimmy is a true leader, and he really helped me understand what I needed to do with the race car to make it go fast.”
In his post-race interview, Busch admitted how close he had come to losing it all. “We feel like we dodged a huge, huge, devastating proposition that would have taken us out of this championship,” he said. “And we pulled through.”
It wasn’t just about his team, though. Busch’s thoughts also turned to the NASCAR community, still mourning the recent Hendrick Motorsports plane crash tragedy that had claimed 10 lives, including the president of HMS John Hendrick, his daughters, and his son Ricky Hendrick. Choked up, Busch said, “This championship is for Jimmy Fennig. But my heart is with Hendrick and everyone affected. It’s unbelievable.”
A record-breaking day
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What made this race even more remarkable was the way it captured America’s attention. Despite going head-to-head with NFL games, including the Bills-Rams clash, NASCAR’s Ford 400 drew an astonishing 10 million viewers. The number set a record for NASCAR at the time, proving the sport could hold its own against football—a feat that had seemed almost unthinkable.
The reasons were clear. The new Chase format created a winner-takes-all energy that fans couldn’t resist. Drivers like Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Jimmie Johnson pulled in casual viewers. And the drama of Homestead’s finale was unmatched. It was the kind of story you couldn’t script, and it kept fans on the edge of their seats until the final lap. The championship battle validated the format’s ability to deliver unforgettable moments, solidifying it as a staple of the sport for years to come (for better or worse).
For Kurt Busch, it was the crowning achievement of his young career. At just 26, he became the third-youngest champion in NASCAR history, a feat he achieved with grit, determination, and a little luck. Looking back, Busch summed it up perfectly: “It’s an unbelievable deal. Many things have to fall into place to win a championship, and today we showed what it means to persevere.”
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That day, NASCAR didn’t just outdraw the NFL in viewership—it showed that the sport’s blend of speed, skill, and storylines could captivate an entire nation. For one glorious Sunday in November, NASCAR wasn’t just competing with football. It was beating it.

NASCAR’s 23rd Cup Series weekend delivered a dramatic finish as Austin Dillon surged to victory at the Coke Zero Sugar 400. The Richard Childress Racing driver clinched the win after a chaotic overtime restart, colliding with Joey Logano on the final corner in a move that left fans buzzing. Dillon also bumped into Denny Hamlin in the process, but the Joe Gibbs Racing driver skillfully avoided disaster and secured a strong second-place finish.
A contentious radio exchange surfaced between Dillon and his spotter post-race celebration, who urged, “Wreck him (Logano).” This moment spotlighted the role of radio communication in NASCAR. This is just a badinage example. Communicating on the radio is an equally essential part of the race, so much so that it can make or break a win. Hamlin’s crew chief recently unpacked the complexities of a crew chief handling radio in a Joe Gibbs Racing feature.
Hamlin’s crew chief breaks down his radio setup
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The intricacies of NASCAR’s radio communications came into focus recently when Denny Hamlin’s crew chief, Chris Gabehart, peeled back the curtain on just how vital—and complex—this system is. In an Instagram reel shared by Joe Gibbs Racing, Gabehart walked fans through the five different radio channels he juggles during a race, each serving a distinct purpose in the team’s overall strategy.
“All these radios. So many different ways I have to communicate,” Gabehart said while summarizing the volume of information flowing during a race. He explained, “I need one radio to talk to the driver, and I need one to talk to the spotter. Only then I need a private radio to talk to the pit crew so I can give them direction. Then I need a radio to scan NASCAR so I can hear the direction they’re giving up. And then lastly, when I plug in onto the box, there will be another radio to have an open dialog over an intercom with engineers about strategy and race dynamics.”
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Joe Gibbs Racing (@joegibbsracing)
This layered setup allows crew chiefs to maintain real-time control over their team’s operations while keeping a pulse on NASCAR’s directives. Managing these channels is no small feat, particularly in the high-pressure environment of a race, where split-second decisions can determine the difference between victory and disaster.
In a separate clip, JGR president Dave Alpern detailed NASCAR’s purse distribution model, describing it as a four-component system involving fixed payments, race performance bonuses, a year-end points fund, and a historical element based on three years of performance. For Hamlin and other team owners, these financial systems—combined with the sport’s reliance on sponsorship—create an environment that demands both strategic acumen and adaptability. This context makes the behind-the-scenes communication infrastructure, from radios to financial planning, all the more critical to a team’s success.
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Denny Hamlin’s sponsorship struggles post-FedEx
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As the co-owner of 23XI Racing, Denny Hamlin has been vocal about the challenges of NASCAR’s business model. While managing his team’s future, he also faced a significant blow in his own racing career with the loss of FedEx as a long-term sponsor. Since 2005, FedEx had been a cornerstone of Hamlin’s career, backing him in his rookie year and supporting him through wins at marquee events like the Daytona 500 and Coca-Cola 600. However, FedEx began scaling back its involvement in 2021, and reports earlier this year signaled the end of one of NASCAR’s longest-standing partnerships.
By the time the Cup Series finale rolled around in Phoenix, Hamlin confirmed the end of an era with a heartfelt “Thank you, FedEx” video posted just before the green flag. The move marked the culmination of FedEx’s gradual retreat from NASCAR sponsorship as part of broader cost-cutting measures. For Joe Gibbs Racing, the departure of FedEx mirrored the end of another long-standing partnership between the logistics giant and the NFL’s Washington Commanders. Meanwhile, Hamlin has navigated this loss by diversifying his car’s sponsorship portfolio with companies like Mavis Tires & Brakes, Yahoo, and Interstate Batteries stepping in as primary sponsors.
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Despite these adjustments, the void left by FedEx looms large. Hamlin has also suggested that he might leave Joe Gibbs Racing with the desire to ride for 23XI Racing once before he retires. Earlier this year, on Kevin Harvick’s ‘Happy Hour,’ he said, “There’s a few hesitations I have. One is that I want to end my career with Joe Gibbs Racing because I want to be loyal to the person that gave me my start, but yes, there is a part of me that wants to drive for 23XI, absolutely. I think, without doubt, I’ll say that I’ll certainly be racing at 23XI in at least a race at some point in my career.”
With Denny Hamlin’s future remaining uncertain, do you think he will drive for 23XI Racing before calling it a day?

The rumors are rife. NASCAR might welcome a new manufacturer sooner than one would imagine. For months, rumors have swirled that Honda could become the fourth brand to add its name to the sport, alongside the big three of Chevy, Ford, and Toyota. But there is a major problem.
Honda does not make V8 engines for any of its street-legal vehicles. The only exception is the BF350, a powerful proprietary VTEC motor that produces a peak power of 6000 rpm. But that’s only being equipped on big boats for now.
NASCAR introduced the Next-Gen vehicle to close the gap between the cars fans see on the track–the Camry, Mustang, and Camaro–and the ones in their local showrooms. Reasons like that make the path even more troublesome for a potential new manufacturer like Honda to join the sport. But it seems like NASCAR’s leaving no stone unturned to accommodate the latest member of their OEM family. And their experiments signal a significant shift away from the very fabric of the sport. Naturally, the fans aren’t happy.
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Tradition might pay the price of progress in NASCAR
From John Probst, Chief Racing Development Officer, to NASCAR President Steve Phelps, the consensus seems unified at the sport’s decision-making levels. As Phelps told Autoweek a few months ago, “I know for a fact we will not have a new OEM unless we change our engine.” The Gen-7 engines come with some strict specifications. Barring the entire single-source supplier gimmick, the engines must not exceed 358 cubic inches of displacement and are required to have a compression ratio of 12:1. They must feature eight cylinders only, naturally aspirated, and follow a front-engine, rear-wheel drive layout.
Horsepower varies depending on the track. For courses that measure 2 miles or below, the engines deliver a maximum power output of 670 hp (500 kW). Conversely, superspeedway-package tracks like Daytona, Talladega, and Atlanta dial down the power further to 510 hp (380 kW) using tapered spacers. Regardless of the racetrack, there’s a cap at 720 Newton meters for torque output. The three designated OEMs in NASCAR build all the engines within the parameters, which must then receive approval from the sport’s governing body before they go under the hood of a race car.
In most ways, the Next-Gen machine is the closest NASCAR has come to developing a true spec car similar to the Sports cars we see in the IMSA series. The days of pure stock-car racing, with the undertones of ‘Win-on-Sunday, Sell-on-Monday’ are now a distant reality. Certainly, the new regulations uphold NASCAR’s goals of fostering greater parity, enhancing cost-efficiency, and ensuring manufacturers remain as relevant as ever. Besides, there should be no complaint against NASCAR’s existing car-builders. They’ve worked within the constraints and nearly perfected their respective formulas. However, the prospect of a new manufacturer tailoring its V8 program to meet NASCAR’s stringent regulations feels far-fetched.
Yet, in a recent State of the Sport address, Phelps confirmed that “Right now we’re in discussion with several OEs about coming in,” although he later questions if NASCAR’s style of racing would be “the right fit for their brand.” But it appears NASCAR is looking at all tweaks and adjustments they can implement to make sure their road to having a fourth manufacturer remains obstacle-free. A recent post from a NASCAR rumor page on Instagram, @nascarrumornostalgia, suggests, “NASCAR could be looking into bringing torque sensors to the Cup cars. The reason? That way a Cup car could have the current V8 or say a turbo V6 and ensure they remain as identical as possible at speed. Maybe this could be what finally brings new manufacturers into the sport that NASCAR have been looking at.”
View this post on Instagram A post shared by NASCAR Rumors & Nostalgia (@nascarrumornostalgia)
There have been talks of this before, but what a torque sensor essentially does is ensure Balance of Performance (BoP). They latch onto a car’s axle shaft to monitor its torque output and are becoming increasingly popular in other racing series that allow different engine platforms. IMSA mechanic, and social media personality, Bozi Tatarevic explained it best on Twitter: “Employing torque sensors in NASCAR can offer a variety of uses from the ability to collect data on current engines from each OEM all the way to being able to employ it to equalize new engines in the future that may not all be built to the same exact spec.”
For example, if Honda or some other OEM that wishes to enter the sport does so with, let’s say, a twin-turbo V6, the torque sensor will ensure it produces the same parameters of power per stint compared to the naturally aspirated pushrod V8 engine currently used by NASCAR. But make no mistake, this is only a precursor of what is next to come. Top officials at NASCAR have talked about hybridizing the present power plant multiple times before. British manufacturer giant McLaren is already the electronic parts supplier of the Cup Series. And it’s unclear if their partnership will transition onwards to a bigger responsibility in the sport someday.
But the times are changing. Hence, it is only natural to believe NASCAR will evolve according to what’s relevant. Now, will the purists be one with the advancements? The reactions to the rumors of torque sensors entering the sport have certainly caused quite a stir.
V6 engines in Cup cars? Fans cry foul
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Earlier this year, NASCAR experimented with a torque sensor on the #19 car of Martin Truex Jr at the first Richmond race. NASCAR made it clear at the time: the test run was strictly about gathering more data on the racetrack, not paving the way for a new manufacturer to join the sport with anything other than a V8 engine. But with each passing day, it seems like NASCAR is doing everything possible to bring in a fourth manufacturer into the sport.
However, longtime fans are not seeing eye-to-eye with the fact that stock car racing is straying away from its all-American V8 roots. The Oldsmobile Rocket V8 was the first of its kind to make appearances on the NASCAR circuit back in the day, but those were true stock car racing engines, in the truest sense of the word. Adopting a new powertrain/a new platform will take the sport away from its traditions, and the discontent was evident in the comments on the post by @nascarrumornostalgia.
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One fan wrote, “This is unfortunate. One of the greatest and unique motorsports of all time is continuously shooting themselves in the foot. Sad,” while another did not wish to be so nice. In their own words, they believed this was “yet another nail in CRA-PCAR’s coffin!!!” Concurring with those emotions, a member of the NASCAR community elaborated on those sentiments even more incensed. “Let’s continue to get further and further away,” they lamented. “What is the NASCAR cup series these days outside of a segregated IMSA series.. Only the trucks and Xfinity have their own identity. I’m sure they’re not far down the list to get absolutely f–-ked up too.”
USA Today via Reuters Apr 2, 2023; Richmond, Virginia, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Martin Truex Jr. (19) pits during the Toyota Owners 400 at Richmond Raceway. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Others noticed the obvious foreshadowing. “This is a way to bring Honda into the sport,” wrote that demographic, making sense of all the ruckus. However, one fan made a noteworthy observation: “With all the talk of “bringing cost down” you don’t want to know how much a set of these cost.” The torque sensors can certainly even out some of the larger costs, if we’re talking about the potential 4th manufacturer building a brand-new V8 platform to cater to NASCAR needs. Senior IMSA officials have discussed the high costs of the equalizing component before, which might not be too economical in the grander scheme of things.
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Nevertheless, one well-informed NASCAR fan replied, “All these people forget the Busch Series ran V6’s during the prime time of NASCAR.” Indeed, the NASCAR Xfinity Series (known as the Busch Series back then) was running V6 engines since its inception but stopped somewhere around the mid-90s to evolve with the times. Fortunately, change like that is inevitable in NASCAR. And just like the carburetors before the V8s, someday a compromise will arrive that won’t fall too well for the sport’s staunchest traditionalists. But should we stay prepared? After all, even the Dodge brand has found itself in NASCAR return rumors multiple times over the years. And they’ve still got their V8 engine knocking about, for all those people hoping for a welcome change.

Grassroots racing has finally found a long-term home. Recently, NASCAR and FloSports announced a multi-year extension to its media partnership, ensuring that the country’s premiere regional events will be improved and investment will be made in short-track racing for the foreseeable future. As per the agreement, FloRacing will be a one-stop destination for the sport’s grassroots properties, including the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series, ARCA Menards Series East & West, and NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour.
But wait, there’s more! The deal would also improve the domestic and international availability of prestigious events such as the South Carolina 400 at Florence Motor Speedway, ValleyStar Credit Union 300 at Martinsville Speedway, as well as the Snowball Derby, and zMAX CARS Tour. Surprisingly, the news was well-received by fans, despite increased subscription prices.
NASCAR remains committed to its regional properties
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The renewal was inevitable. Ever since NASCAR and FloRacing joined hands in 2021, the interest in grassroots racing has increased significantly, with the platform covering more than 1,000 race events every year. In a bid to popularize short-track racing, FloRacing has not only boosted purses but also provided dedicated teams that cover in-depth stories about grassroots racers across North America. The multi-year media extension reiterates the commitment from both parties to improve the state of regional racing in the future.
Reflecting on the partnership, Mark Floreani, Co-Founder and CEO of FloSports said, “NASCAR is the number one name in motorsports and an unbelievable partner that cares about short track racing. This agreement will allow us to work alongside NASCAR to provide our customers with more marquee events and series throughout the year, ensuring that a FloRacing subscription is the best value in all of motorsports.”
Over the years, NASCAR has invested in the sport in ways that they had never done before. The sanctioning body has expanded the editorial team that covers regional races, making coverage of short-track races much more accessible. When the organization acquired the ARCA Menards Series in 2018, they hired Joey Dennewitz as Managing Director of the Weekly and Touring Series, who helped racers understand how NASCAR could help them improve in their motorsports discipline.
Reiterating the sanctioning body’s commitment to regional racing, NASCAR EVP, Chief Venue & Racing Innovation Officer Ben Kennedy said, “We look forward to delivering fans the best in short track racing, but also to re-investing in the grassroots community to keep stock car racing thriving.” Considering how successful the partnership between the organization and FloRacing has been, especially when it comes to the promotion of its regional properties, it should come as no surprise that the multi-year media extension is being well-received by fans, who are seeing the value despite the high subscription fees.
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Fans embrace FloSports’ continued involvement in grassroots racing
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As expected, it didn’t take long for NASCAR fans to make their voices heard about the multi-year media extension. At a time when OTT platforms are facing significant criticism for sky-high subscription fees, motorsports enthusiasts expressed their support for grassroots racing by taking to social media. Acknowledging the list of offerings being provided by the platform, a Reddit user wrote, “Sweet. Bought the full year a few months back and really enjoy the variety and amount of racing you can watch.” Echoing that sentiment, another fan went on to write, “Great news”, recognizing how beneficial the partnership between the two has been for grassroots racing.
As things stand, FloRacing provides two subscription packages, charging $39.99 per month or $159 if fans opt to pay annually. In return, sports enthusiasts get access to over 1200 live events, as well as replays, original films, news, and more. Taking these factors into consideration, one fan wrote, “It’s because when you pay for Flo, you’re not just paying for racing. You’re getting every other sport they show too. The price of Flo is f–king insanely cheap, it’s just most people only use it for 1 or 2 things.” Other fans could also see the value in the streaming service’s offerings, with one Reddit user recounting their own experience by saying, “Good to see, got Flo recently and it’s amazing.”
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With short-track racing being the lifeblood of NASCAR, watching aspiring superstars ply their trade in the sanctioning body’s grassroots properties is an enjoyable activity. Very often, regional racing can be more cutthroat and action-packed and retains the essence of American motorsport that may have been diluted in the Cup, Xfinity, or Truck Series, because of sponsorships and commercial commitments. On that note, a motorsports enthusiast wrote, “Love to see this, love seeing modifieds and other series and short tracks live. Great deal.”

The journey to becoming a NASCAR Xfinity Series champion was as much about redemption as it was about racing. After years of coming agonizingly close, the 38-year-old clinched the title for JR Motorsports. After a tumultuous race in Phoenix, Justin Allgaier finished second in the event, which was good enough to win the championship.
However, the road to victory wasn’t without its emotional toll. In the buildup to the race, Justin Allgaier admitted that ‘losing face’ weighed heavily on him. He talked about the internal battle he fought to get the trophy so he wouldn’t have to face another Monday without it, post-race. The thought of failing after such a promising season pushed him to do his best.
How Justin Allgaier overcame adversity to deliver a championship for JR Motorsports
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The victory marked a milestone not only for Allgaier but also for JR Motorsports, which is co-owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kelley Earnhardt-Miller. During his ten years on the team, Allgaier developed strong relationships with many of his teammates. Backing Allgaier through thick and thin has been Brandt, an agricultural firm from his hometown of Springfield, Illinois. Since 2011, Brandt has been Allgaier’s primary sponsor, offering unwavering support during his journey to the Cup Series and return to Xfinity.
“Walking into the garage knowing we hadn’t gotten it done before was tough,” he said in a podcast interview with Mike Bagley. “I couldn’t bear the idea of letting everyone down again. That fear drove me to give it everything, and I’m proud of how we turned it around on race day.” A lot of Allgaier’s performance can be attributed to his sense of accountability and determination to succeed. Ultimately, he not only won his first Xfinity Series title but also gave JR Motorsports its first title since 2018.
For Justin Allgaier, the Phoenix race was a true test of his grit. The troubles began on Friday during practice, when Allgaier spun out and crashed thanks to an oil spill. However, it meant he had his backup car for the race. Add to that, Allgaier started the race from the back of the pack. Although he made his way through the field to the top, he faced issues toward the end of the race. Despite back-to-back penalties, he clawed his way back to second place. However, that was enough to win the Xfinity championship.
via Imago BRISTOL, TN – SEPTEMBER 15: Justin Allgaier 7 JR Motorsports BRANDT Chevrolet looks on before the running of the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Xfinity Series Playoff Food City 300 on September 15, 2023, at Bristol Motor Speedway in Bristol, TN. Photo by Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire AUTO: SEP 15 NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoff Food City 300 EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon2309151674 | Image Credits: Imago
In a moment that summarised years of efforts, Allgaier didn’t forget his team. After all, it was Dale Jr’s unwavering support that led him to the moment. “I’ve been with this group for 10 years, and to see it all culminate in a championship feels surreal,” Allgaier said post-race. Adding, “This championship is as much for Brandt as it is for JR Motorsports and myself. It’s special to represent Springfield and central Illinois on such a big stage.”
The Phoenix race itself was a microcosm of the ups and downs Allgaier has experienced throughout his career. After wrecking his primary car in practice, frustration boiled over as he punched a toolbox before resetting his focus for Saturday’s championship decider. Starting from the back of the field with a backup car, he faced multiple setbacks, including penalties for a restart violation and speeding, which put him a lap down.
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What Setbacks did Dale Jr.’s Champion Overcome?
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Allgaier proved to be a master strategist regardless of these challenges. Late in the race, he came back into contention with an alternative pit strategy. By the final laps, he was leading the championship race, holding off Cole Custer and Austin Hill. Riley Herbst passed him for the race win in the closing moments, but Allgaier was unfazed. The championship was his. First overtime finish triggered by Leland Honeyman spinning with three laps to go. It seemed fitting that the championship would be decided in overtime given the record number of overtime finishes in 2024.
Justin Allgaier lost two positions after spinning his wheels and stalling in his pit stall during his final pit stop. The Dale Jr. champion joked that he must have been trying to keep things exciting for the fans during the chaotic race. “We tried to give it away every which way we could,” he quipped.
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Off the track, Allgaier’s confidence has soared thanks to his run in Kyle Larson‘s Hendrick Motorsports No. 5 car earlier this year. It was a turning point, reaffirming his driving skills. Despite his success, Allgaier stays with JR Motorsports, evaluating the stability and relationships the team offers over a full-time Cup run. “I’d love to go back to Cup racing someday, but I have an incredible situation here at JR Motorsports,” he said. “Dale and Kelley understand me, and this is where I belong right now.”
Allgaier’s road to consecutive championships has already begun. Having just won the title, he took part in a Goodyear tire test at Rockingham Speedway, ready to keep going. It might have been his fear of failure that drove him, but it was his ability to turn adversity into triumph that defined him. Now that he’s in the NASCAR record books as a champion, Justin Allgaier can finally breathe easy.

Legacy Motor Club’s Toyota race cars were nonexistent throughout the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season. The only time the viewers got engaged with the LMC drivers was when they were involved in wrecks or accidents on the racetrack. That’s how bleak the results were for the two entries #42 of John Hunter Nemechek and #43 of Erik Jones.
Jimmie Johnson’s team has never been shy of making changes to level up and be competitive. For the first time, they switched manufacturers, going from Chevrolet to Toyota, fulfilling the team’s ambitious plans. But those plans and expectations seem to have fallen flat if we are to judge their season based on results. LMC is currently transitioning from Chevrolet to Toyota, but given the streak of changes in the team, they haven’t really gained any ground.
So the question begs, Did Legacy Motor Club make a mistake in ditching Chevrolet and partnering with Toyota? Well, team co-owner Jimmie Johnson doesn’t think so. Rather, he believes that the team will have to take this as a learning curve and adapt to the new challenges of NASCAR racing.
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Jimmie Johnson and Legacy Motor Club will get through these tough times
One of the primary reasons Legacy Motor Club left Chevrolet was that their roster was overcrowded. With so many teams in line, they didn’t feel that they would be prioritized, and that could’ve stalled their on-track progress. With only two teams signed with Toyota, they saw this as an excellent opportunity to establish their name as a premier partner. One of the key points to be noted here is that, unlike 23XI Racing, LMC didn’t partner with Joe Gibbs Racing as a technical partner.
“This is a long-term play for us with Toyota. We thought this year would be a bit smoother, and it wasn’t. In that are lessons for us. It is what it is. There’s nothing we can do about it except work harder and get better. That’s what we’re gearing up for.” Jimmie Johnson said this while speaking to NASCAR. Basically, LMC is trying to build its own racing program without the support of Big Brother teams, and that can be tedious at times. Despite being stacked up against the odds, Johnson believes, his team is positioned, “very well for the future,” with Toyota.
Nemechek with the #42 team, could only muster four top-10 results, finishing the season 34th in the standings. Erik Jones at times was consistent, but the P5 finish in the fall race at Talladega was the only positive result of his entire season. Jones is a former two-time Southern 500 winner, but to see him struggle to get speed out of his race car was a hard watch.
Johnson and his team didn’t expect this tough of a grind when pairing with the new OEM partners. However, they’ve now accepted that it is all part of the journey. “We couldn’t have tried any harder this year. It’s just part of the journey is probably the best way to put it. I think this year has been a very transformational year for us. We won’t have a great sense of the change until we get into probably March of next year.”
via Imago NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Test Session Jan 24, 2023 Avondale, AZ, USA NASCAR Cup Series driver Jimmie Johnson prepares to climb into his Legacy Motor Club car during testing at Phoenix Raceway. Phoenix Phoenix Raceway AZ USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xMarkxJ.xRebilasx 20230124_mjr_su5_002
While Legacy Motor Club is still trying to find the parts and pieces to make their program work, the two new teams have already proven themselves. Both 23XI Racing and Trackhouse Racing are new to the sport, but unlike LMC, they have made it to the championship race in 2024 and 2022, respectively. There is one glaring detail that sets these teams apart, and LMC would not like to hear what it is.
Does Legacy Motor Club need to get on board with JGR?
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A technical alliance helps the new teams get a jump start on their racing journey. It includes the sharing of data and new race strategies through the R&D departments. However, the teams have to shell out cash from their pockets to get access to this information. Truth be told, given the results, both Trackhouse and 23XI have been able to get, the technical alliance is indeed a difference-maker.
Trackhouse, with their driver Ross Chastain, made it to the championship 4 in their very first season back in 2022. And 23XI Racing did the same with Tyler Reddick and the #45 team. They won the regular season championship title and made it all the way to Phoenix. In just a short period of time, along with 8 Cup wins, 23XI Racing is proving to be a powerhouse team. Interestingly, Trackhouse has also won the same number of races since its debut in 2021.
Well, it’s all good trying to build a race program from scratch, but at what cost? LMC has zero wins to show for their efforts, and with the changing dynamics of the sport, they just might always play catch up to these teams. Even Johnson acknowledges the rapid changes NASCAR racing undergoes within a year or two. “The sport has evolved a bunch in the last two years.”
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It’s fair to say the 2025 season is going to prove a huge challenge for LMC. And if things still don’t improve, they’ll have to rethink their planning or perhaps just sign up with JGR on a technical alliance.

Things aren’t looking good for 23XI Racing. They took on an uphill fight against NASCAR, with a lawsuit challenging the existing charter system. At the same time, their driver Tyler Reddick faced a tough battle in the Championship race, eventually losing out to Joey Logano. If that wasn’t enough, Michael Jordan and Co. had their injunction to race in 2025 dismissed by a federal judge.
In what seems to be a string of unfortunate events, there was a small ray of sunshine for 23XI fans, their new driver. After Michael Jordan and Co. teased the arrival of a new member in the team (despite not finalizing the purchase of a third charter), they faced a massive backlash from fans who were not happy with the new signing, Riley Herbst.
Riley Herbst was picked as Michael Jordan’s third driver
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With the exit of Stewart-Haas Racing after decades of winning races, there was the question of what would happen to their charters. Luckily for Tony Stewart and Gene Haas, Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin came looking for another charter. They wanted to add a third car to their roster. However, with the lawsuit unfolding, things stalled on the charter. As 23XI appealed for their failed injunction, they didn’t hesitate to announce who would fill the third seat. It was Riley Herbst.
While Riley Herbst didn’t win the Xfinity Series title, he did win the final race at Phoenix, finishing the season 7th. Although this has been his best finish, Michael Jordan believes that he is ready to take on the Cup Series. He put up a tough fight against the charging Justin Allgaier who looked to secure his first-ever Xfinity title.
In a recent announcement, Bob Pockrass revealed, “23XI Racing names Riley Herbst as the driver of its new car, the No. 35 (the 3 from 23 and the 5 from 45 combined for 35). Monster to sponsor. Herbst brings crew chief Davin Restivo with him to 23XI as crew chief. TBD on charter status (supposed to acquire one from SHR).” His most recent wins came at some iconic tracks—Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and Phoenix, capping off his 2024 season in style. Now, with 23XI Racing, he’s looking forward to taking that momentum into NASCAR’s top series.
“I’m excited to start my Cup career with such an accomplished and driven team,” said Herbst. “Racing full-time in the Cup Series has been my goal since I started in NASCAR.” This announcement comes as 23XI Racing enters its fifth season and continues to expand its footprint in the Cup Series, joining veterans Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick as Herbst’s teammates.
Looking at the upcoming lineup of 23XI Racing, fans are not happy to23XI Racing announces their new Cup Series driver, but fans are questioning the decision over a popular alternative see Riley Herbst get a seat in the Cup Series car as most of them have been vouching for Corey Heim’s time. Although Corey Heim was speculated to join Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin‘s team, his second-place finish in the Xfinity Series championship was not enough to get him a spot in the Cup Series team and this was something that the fans were just not having.
Corey Heim emerges as a fan favorite despite Riley Herbst finding a seat in the Cup Series
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Fans aren’t keeping their frustrations with 23XI Racing’s decision to bring in Riley Herbst a secret. Their reactions are both sharp and vocal. The general sentiment is one of disbelief, with many questioning the logic behind putting Herbst, who has won just three races in over three years, into a Cup Series car. “What a M- joke. Dude has 3 wins in 3+ YEARS. Corey Heim >>>” sums up the disappointment of fans who believe that Corey Heim, who finished second in the Xfinity Series championship with many more wins, would have been a much better pick for the seat.
Some fans are taking the criticism to a personal level, calling Herbst a “spoiled rich kid” who hasn’t proven enough to earn a Cup seat. One fan rips into the situation, saying, “Great. Another spoiled rich kid about to fill the cockpit.” It also highlights a big part of signing drivers – sponsorships. Backing Riley Herbst is Monster Energy, a big name in the motorsports world. In addition to them, Herbst also brings in a whole host of other sponsors for the team. In the end, it might just be a practical choice considering Michael Jordan and Co. may have to run as an open team in 2025.
A few fans are speculating that this move might be more about the lawsuit than racing talent. One user, for instance, believes Denny Hamlin might be using this decision as a strategic play in the ongoing legal battle. “Convinced Denny is only doing this for more of a case in his lawsuit. He’ll say he wanted to hire Heim but was forced to hire Herbst to stay financially afloat. What a joke either way.” It’s clear that for some, the decision feels like part of a larger corporate game rather than a merit-based move.
via Imago Corey Heim
Others are more cautious and unsure about Herbst’s readiness, questioning whether he’s truly prepared for the jump to the Cup Series. “Anyone else think this move is a little too soon for Riley?” a fan asks, reflecting the skepticism that many have regarding his qualifications. This is also augmented by the fact that Riley Herbst only managed three wins in seven seasons. With Tyler Reddick, 23XI had an Xfinity champ coming on board. Fans don’t think Michael Jordan and Co. made a wise choice with the Herbst pick.
Lastly, some fans seem baffled by the entire situation, seeing it as a series of missteps. “Ultra-extreme reach for a developmental driver >Default, low-paying Monster sponsorship >No charters next year. This seems like a good idea.” For them, it’s a mix of questionable decisions—picking a development driver who hasn’t shown much, taking on a sponsorship deal with Monster that feels like a default option, and the uncertainty about charter status for the next season. All in all, they’re left scratching their heads.
Do you think that 23XI Racing should have gone with Corey Heim instead of Herbst? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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Brad Keselowski is a man on a mission. As co-owner of RFK Racing, he’s been busy trying to steer the team to the top of the NASCAR world, behind the wheel as well as the desk. With a resurgent 2023 and an even stronger 2024, the team has made it clear they’re not just here to race—they’re here to win. Now, rumors are swirling that RFK Racing is set to make its biggest move yet: running the #60 car full-time in 2025.
But this isn’t just about adding another car. It’s a piece in a much bigger puzzle. This story entails alliances, strategy, and a driver and leader in Keselowski, who’s methodically laying the groundwork for RFK’s next big chapter.
Growing RFK Racing and Brad Keselowski’s ambitions
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Brad Keselowski’s journey with RFK Racing has been nothing short of transformative. When the 2012 Cup Series champion joined as co-owner in 2022, he didn’t just bring his name—he brought a vision. Rebranding the team as Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing (RFK), the 40-year-old has breathed new life into a struggling operation. The team’s first win since 2017 came earlier this year at Darlington, a moment that not only ended a years-long drought but signaled RFK’s resurgence as an up-and-coming force to be reckoned with. For Keselowski, that victory was just the beginning of what’s shaping up to be a bold new chapter for the team.
When it comes to building a successful team, Keselowski knows you can’t just slap on a logo and hope for the best. “A lot goes into growth,” he shared on MRN’s NASCAR Live podcast with Mike Bagley. “You can’t just flip a light switch and start a race team from scratch.” For RFK Racing, that growth starts with partnerships. Over the past year, the team has teamed up with Rick Ware Racing and brought Haas Factory resources into the fold. The payoff? Access to essential equipment like cars, haulers, and pit boxes. But more importantly, it’s a strategic partnership that could help RFK Racing punch above its weight.
Another one of the team’s secret weapons was the #60 car, which ran part-time in 2024. It wasn’t just about getting a car on the track—it was a way to test the waters and figure out what it would take to expand without compromising performance. Keselowski explained, “You’ve got to work your way into it with the talent particularly and take care of…even the capital that it takes to do it.”
USA Today via Reuters Feb 15, 2024; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Brad Keselowski (6) before the Bluegreen Vacations Duel 1 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
This meticulous approach has been all about building for the long haul. And with whispers of Ryan Preece stepping into the #60 full-time next season, Keselowski hinted at the bigger picture. “It’s super intentional,” he said. “I would think it’s the path for us to get to where we can continue to race for wins and hopefully a championship.” It’s one of the worst-kept secrets in the NASCAR world. Keselowski kept hinting at the addition of a third car for the RFK camp in the final leg of the NASCAR season.
The alliance with Rick Ware Racing has also been key, especially when it comes to securing a charter. With NASCAR’s charter market in chaos, RFK opted to lease a charter as a short-term solution. Team President Steve Newmark called it a “short-term fix,” and while Keselowski kept the details close to the vest, he confirmed, “We’re gonna run this charter next year, and that will be good for everybody.”
Ryan Preece: A second chance in the #60
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If you’re one of the few Ryan Preece fans, 2024 probably felt like a nail-biter. After Stewart-Haas Racing shut its doors, Preece was left in limbo while his former teammates landed on their feet. Chase Briscoe joined Joe Gibbs Racing. Noah Gragson signed with Front Row Motorsports. Even rookie Josh Berry scored a ride with Wood Brothers Racing. Preece? He was the odd man out.
But RFK Racing may have just handed him the lifeline he needed. Rumors have been flying that Preece is bringing a massive $20 million sponsorship deal from Kroger to the table, and if true, that’s a game-changer—not just for Preece, but for RFK as a whole.
Preece’s appearances in the #60 car this year gave fans mixed feelings about the 34-year-old’s ability. The 2024 season has been largely unimpressive according to some due to his regular finishes outside the top 20. However, there were small glimpses of what he is capable of. With five top-ten finishes, with one of them being a fourth-place finish in Nashville, the potential is there, and now he has a chance to prove Brad Keselowski right and the critics wrong with a full-time ride in 2025. For Preece, it’s more than a new seat. It’s redemption—a shot to show he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level.
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And let’s not forget the #60 car itself. This isn’t just any expansion—it’s part of RFK Racing’s bigger vision. Adding a third car means more resources, more opportunities, and more chances to compete for wins. With Keselowski’s leadership, Chris Buescher’s steady performance, and Preece’s drive to change his narrative, RFK is shaping up to be a serious contender in the next few years.

This past weekend, Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul’s fight has been making all the noise on social media platforms. This was indeed a highly anticipated bout between the former heavyweight boxing champion and a YouTube sensation. Although most of the fans were rooting for Tyson’s win, it was Jake Paul who was deemed the winner by the unanimous decision.
The outcome of this fight has certainly become a huge talking point ever since. The most common complaint was the lack of intensity and the fight living up to the hype. Some conspiracy theorists even went as far as to say that Tyson threw the fight so that Paul could win. Pumped after the victory, Paul even challenged former UFC champion Connor McGregor to a fight. But NASCAR and IndyCar driver Conor Daly misunderstood Paul’s message, and he challenged him in return.
Conor Daly isn’t afraid to fight Jake Paul in the ring
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Despite the criticism and arguments about Jake Paul and Mike Tyson’s fight, the event was a massive success. The fight that took place at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, attracted a total of 72,300 fans. Moreover, the entire event was streamed on Netflix, and it hit a peak watching of 65 million around the world, whereas it hit 38 million concurrent streams in the United States.
There are also reports that despite losing the fight, Mike Tyson took home a good $20 million. And this astronomical figure is something that Conor Daly has his eyes on. Racing is indeed an expensive sport, and with the backing of sponsors or a racing family, it is hard for a driver to continue racing at the highest level. In Daly’s case, he’s still on the hunt for his full-time ride in IndyCar.
A couple million dollars certainly would do the trick for Daly, and this is why he sent out a challenge to Jake Paul. “I know those guys made insane money doing that fight, and it didn’t even look like that much of a fight. So why not throw a tweet out there and saying, Hey, if this is to me, I mean, consider me locked in; the price I get paid is maybe 6-10 million dollars? Maybe we have a conversation, so would I be actually willing to do that? I will almost do anything to get in a race car for a full-time IndyCar.” Daly said this while speaking to Dirty Mo Media.
Without a full-time commitment to the IndyCar Series, Daly did feature in the Xfinity and Truck Series races. He finished P14 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway driving the #26 Sam Hunts Racing car. Whereas out of the three Truck races, the 17th place finish was his best driving the Niece Motorsports truck. However, not everyone from the NASCAR community was thrilled to see Mike Tyson go down without a fight.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. was expecting a Mike Tyson knockout
For many like Dale Jr. who watched Tyson at his peak, they were expecting at least a knockout blow from him. Although he wasn’t in the best shape possible because of his age, he still could’ve ended the fight with a lethal blow, which never came. Dale Jr. wasn’t even interested in knowing who was against Tyson; all he wanted was to see the opponent go down. But much to his disappointment, Tyson lost the fight, and he never got to see a real boxing match.
Disappointed by the whole event, Jr. hurled out a rant while speaking on DJD. “You did not give a sh-t who the other guy was. When they got to fighting, I was like, ‘Who the hell was I to imagine that Mike Tyson could actually knock this guy out. I live in a fantasy world where I thought, damn, Mike Tyson, I hope he can knock this Well, it could have been my best friend in there with Mike Tyson. Whoever Mike Tyson gets in the ring with, I want a knockout.”
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Jr. even suggested that the whole fight was rigged, and he labeled the whole boxing buzz as a circus. “I don’t believe anything anymore. It’s really kind of turned into a circus. There’s not a true battle anymore. When you are watching all these matches, you feel like the ending’s already predetermined. It feels a lot like a match race that my dad might have ran with Kenny Schrader, where they’re like, let’s just make it look good.”
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Well, given all the punches and fists that have been thrown across NASCAR events, perhaps it’s time fans should get the taste of real action. Imagine Kyle Busch and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. getting in a ring; it would be a hell of a show.

Having a powerful sponsor in NASCAR is one of the keys to success. Being backed up by someone like Anheuser-Busch, the parent company of Budweiser and Busch beers, teams get a lot of funding and exposure, which is key to finding a good spot in the series championship. While Anheuser-Busch was reconsidering its sponsorship with HMS, they decided to exit the team and continue with Dale Earnhardt Jr. as the driver left for his own venture.
Dale Jr.’s team was by no means in a bigger position than HMS in NASCAR; however, the sponsors believed that being the legacy of the late Dale Earnhardt Sr., his son had something big coming for him. Although Junior did not win a Cup Series title, he today stands as one of the most popular motorsport drivers to ever live. So when Steve Uline, the sports marketing executive for Anheuser-Busch, came down to the Dale Jr. Download podcast, it was only fair that he revealed the story to Kelley Earnhardt Miller.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. bags Budweiser with his charm
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The story kicks off with a bit of frustration. As the sponsor for Hendrick Motorsport’s third car in 1998, the team wasn’t delivering results compared to their championship-winning cars. “We were the third car. I think we were the 25 cars there. We had Kenny Schrader, who we loved because he was a St. Louis guy,” recalls Steve Uline, the sports marketing executive for Anheuser-Busch. But despite a strong driver lineup, including Schrader and Ricky Craven, things just weren’t clicking. “We just weren’t having the success,” Uline admits.
At this point, the sponsorship team began to reevaluate. They looked at all sorts of drivers—top 10 contenders, under-funded teams with potential, and up-and-coming stars. That’s when they set their sights on Dale Jr., even though he had yet to win a Busch Series race. “Dale Jr. had not won a Busch Series race yet, you know. And, obviously, we had a relationship with your father through Busch beer,” Uline explains on the Dale Jr. Download. This connection through Junior’s legendary father, Dale Earnhardt Sr., sparked interest.
The timing felt right to make a change. “We’re big in the sport, probably the biggest, and certainly, we’ve got a big presence in NASCAR,” Uline recalls. But every week, they watched Rusty Wallace dominate while they struggled with their own driver lineup. “Rusty’s kicking our butt in the two cars,” Uline confesses, admitting that fierce competition in the beer world—especially with Miller—pushed them to make a move. “We didn’t want Miller beating us at anything,” he says, which fueled their desire to find a fresh face who could bring a new spark.
And that fresh face turned out to be Dale Jr. The deal was set in motion with a trip to Hendrick Motorsports, where Uline and Mike Hargrave, who oversaw motorsports for Anheuser-Busch, met with Rick Hendrick’s brother, John, to discuss a potential shift. “We decided to go after Junior… I flew down there with Mike Hargrave, who oversaw motorsports for us,” Uline remembers, setting the stage for one of the biggest sponsorship shifts in NASCAR history. However, that doesn’t come close to the extent that Dale Jr. has reached today when it comes to bringing in money for NASCAR.
Dale Jr. reveals a soundtrack update for the NASCAR video game
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Dale Earnhardt Jr. recently gave fans an inside look at the soundtrack for the upcoming NASCAR video game, which is being developed by iRacing. On the Dale Jr. Download, he shared that his long-time friend Steve Meyers at iRacing reached out to him for some help in putting together a killer playlist for the game. “One of the things that’s really important, I think, is trying to create a soundtrack,” Dale Jr. said. He even got a few drivers involved to pitch some songs, though he’s keeping their picks a secret for now. But it’s clear he’s all in on making it a soundtrack that fans will love.
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via Imago Dale Earnhardt Jr
To really get the ball rolling, Dale Jr. took his search for the perfect songs to social media. “I tweeted about it. I said, ‘Hey, what songs are a must?’” he said, and before long, the NASCAR Reddit community jumped on it. The thread quickly turned into a Molly Hatchet fan club, with the song “Flirting with Disaster” getting lots of love. “It was funny seeing the list of songs people suggested,” Dale Jr. said.
But it’s not all about picking songs—Dale’s also learning the ins and outs of getting the rights to music. “It’s not a simple situation,” he admitted. “You’ve got to reach out to the people who own the license, and sometimes it’s multiple people.” The game, expected to drop in the fall of 2025, will give fans an authentic NASCAR experience, and from the sound of it, the soundtrack is going to be a major part of that vibe.
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Does this make you want the NASCAR game even more? Share your thoughts in the comment below.

When one thinks of the late great Dale Earnhardt Sr., the first thing that comes to mind is his #3 Goodwrench car. A NASCAR driver is as memorable as his car number and the brand associated with him. Just ask Kyle Busch and M&M’s, Jimmie Johnson and Lowes, Jeff Gordon and DuPont, and many more. In a similar vein, one iconic brand has always been associated with Dale Earnhardt Jr., and that is Budweiser. The spearhead behind that iconic partnership was sports marketing executive, Steve Uline.
Recently. he sat down with Kelley Earnhardt-Miller on the Dale Jr. Download. The two enjoyed a great conversation, and among many topics discussed, they spoke about Dale Jr. and Budweiser. This comes on the back of step-mother Teresa Earnhardt finally relinquishing the #8 number, earlier this year. To make matters even better, Dale Jr. will not only compete in the South Carolina 400 dirt race but reunite with his #8 and Budweiser sponsor.
Uline revealed the history of the Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Budweiser sponsorship. According to him, there were a number of hurdles to navigate. However, he was adamant that Dale Jr. had to be the one to be under the Budweiser beer umbrella. The sports marketing executive also shared some interesting stories about the former NASCAR driver.
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Why did Budweiser choose Dale Earnhardt Jr.?
Uline told Kelley Earnhardt-Miller, “We knew we had the magic name. For us, we felt like he was going to have the right attitude, the right personality. We’re a beer company, we’re not selling milk, Kleenex, M&M’s. No offense to them, but you got to have the right person, right personality that it matches up. It’s real then, it’s truly real. He’ll tell you he didn’t like beer in the beginning, but he sure as hell ordered a lot of it down to his place. You heard the story that Ty told, it was on Dirty Mo with Junior. He told the story where the wholesaler called Ty. We called Ty and said, ‘The wholesaler called. He wants to know what’s going on. Jr’s ordering more beer than a lot of retail accounts are.’ We’re like, ‘Yeah, that’s good!’”
As one would expect, having a famous father was definitely a key that opened a number of locked doors. However, the move was not purely nepotistically motivated. According to the former Anheuser-Busch executive, another point in Dale Jr.’s favor was that he had the right attitude and personality. Of course, Dale Earnhardt laid out the foundation, and there was an element of risk involved.
via Imago Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Uline revealed that Dale Jr. was entering an era where the old dogs were still in their prime. As for himself, he was considered young, up-and-coming blood, and he was far from the only one. Another youngster who rose through the ranks with him was Matt Kenseth, and it was a fascinating time to be in. From there, Uline elected to take a calculated risk and inked a long-term deal with Dale Earnhardt Jr.
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Steve Uline tried to tip-toe his way through the deal, but once they left HMS, alarm bells started ringing at the Budweiser headquarters.
Steve Uline revealed his bold call
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He continued, “We didn’t even tell the Budweiser brand we were doing this, and that was a bone of contention. Who owns the sport, does the brand own the sport? Does sports marketing own the sport? There’s a jealousy part because it’s cool. When we put it together it was really Tony [Ponturo] and myself, nobody knew because we were afraid the word would get out that we were interested. You know how the word leaks. That day after I left Hendrick, somehow somebody said something, ESPN reported it that afternoon that we had broke that deal with Hendrick. Didn’t say who we’re going with, because we hadn’t done it yet. Budweiser guy called me that night and said, ‘You can’t do that! You can’t take my race car driver!’ I said ‘It’s done! You’ve got a problem, you talk to the guy whose name is on the building.’”
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In essence, he went behind Budweiser’s back to ink the deal. Though he and all parties involved tried to keep things hushed up, it eventually leaked out. Of course, the brand was furious, but Uline chose to stand his ground. Since then, Dale Earnhardt Jr and the #8 Budweiser car have become a truly iconic partnership. They have been together from 1999 all the way until 2007, when they were at Dale Earnhardt Inc.
Sadly, all good things had to come to an end, especially when he moved to Hendrick Motorsports in 2008. Budweiser could not follow him there, and had to remain with DEI, and an iconic partnership was broken. Now, after nearly 25 years, the partnership will be back for the South Carolina 400 Late Model race.

The tension around NASCAR’s decision to cut the COTA course has sparked plenty of chatter. One old rival of Shane Van Gisbergen is adding fuel to the fire. Scott McLaughlin, who’s had his fair share of intense battles with SVG in Supercars, took to Twitter to reignite that fire.
The rivalry between McLaughlin and Van Gisbergen has always been captivating. Both drivers regularly battle for top spots and sometimes clash on the track. Now, with SVG making the leap to NASCAR, McLaughlin’s words add extra weight. Fans are debating whether the Kiwi’s road racing skills will give him a clear advantage at COTA. While many NASCAR fans aren’t thrilled about the course change, McLaughlin’s comment serves as a reminder of the kind of competitor SVG is. He might just excel, no matter the track.
What has the change of the COTA track sparked after the 2024 season?
Fans are fuming over a recent decision about the Circuit of The Americas (COTA) layout for NASCAR, and it’s got some heated takes. The big change? Instead of using the full 3.4-mile course, NASCAR will shorten it to the 2.3-mile national track, cutting out those long straightaways and shaving off a chunk of the action. The Cup Series race will likely run about 100 laps, while the Xfinity race’s lap count is still TBD.
Scott McLaughlin, who knows a thing or two about racing at COTA from his Supercars days, threw out a six-word warning for NASCAR fans, especially for Shane Van Gisbergen fans: “Shane Van Gisbergen gonna be all over it.” McLaughlin’s comment brings some heat because SVG, his old Supercars rival, is no stranger to dominating road courses, and fans are wondering if this shorter layout will give him an even bigger advantage.
The decision, however, has left many NASCAR followers rolling their eyes. A lot of fans feel like it’s a step back from the excitement of the full course, and it looks like they’re bracing for a race that’s a bit less thrilling than before. Whether McLaughlin’s prediction about SVG coming out on top rings true remains to be seen, but for now, fans aren’t holding back their frustration.
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What fans thought of the changes made to the COTA circuit
One fan didn’t hold back, calling the change a “lame” decision: “Another hacking of a track and better still, eliminating passing. Why do we even bother?” It’s clear they were not thrilled about the idea of less action on track, especially with the potential for fewer overtaking opportunities.
Another fan echoed that sentiment, taking a swipe at NASCAR’s recent track decisions: “NASCAR sure knows how to screw up great road courses!? Sonoma shortcut, no boot at Watkins Glen, and now this!!” This comment shows that the frustration isn’t just about COTA; it’s part of a growing trend of changes to iconic road courses that fans aren’t too keen on.
Then there’s the more passionate critique, with one fan directing their frustration at Fox Sports for possibly not being able to cover the new layout effectively: “I am not happy about this Jeff, this layout is wayyyyyyy worse for racing. Fox being lazy and unable to cover the actual track is just sad.” Clearly, this fan felt that the change would not only impact the racing itself but also the quality of coverage for viewers at home.
via Imago March 26, 2023, Austin, TX, United States of America: JORDAN TAYLOR 9 brings his car through the turns during the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix at Circuit Of The Americas COTA in Austin, TX. NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series 2023: EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix – Jordan Taylor PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY – ZUMAa161 20230326_zaa_a161_040 Copyright: xWalterxG.xArcexSr.x
Some fans, though, weren’t entirely against the switch. One fan took a more wait-and-see approach: “Works for me try it and see what happens. The yellows were excruciating they were so long.” They seemed to think that experimenting with the layout could shake things up in a positive way, especially if it meant shorter caution periods, which had been a major gripe in the past.
Finally, one fan just seemed desperate for answers, simply asking: “Will someone answer why?” It’s clear that many are just confused and seeking clarity on the reasoning behind this sudden change.

23XI Racing had a lot on its plate this season. On the good side, Michael Jordan and his team achieved remarkable heights. Tyler Reddick clinched the Cup Series regular-season championship and was a solid threat for the final title. But the flip side of the team’s future is equally dismal. Currently, 23XI and Front Row Motorsports are amidst a lawsuit waged against NASCAR. The cards are not falling in their favor, and 23XI’s recent move will not help things in the courtroom.
Michael Jordan recently recruited Riley Herbst – a dazzling Xfinity star who clinched two victories this year – to compete in the No. 35 Toyota under 23XI Racing. This deal, although proving the team’s unbounded growth, also shows that Jordan is still doing business with NASCAR. That is an argument that the sport’s lawyers could use against Jordan in the lawsuit.
Michael Jordan giving points to the adversary?
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When the 23XI Racing and FRM first filed the lawsuit, optimism reigned over the show. Having Jeffrey Kessler, a sports advocate who won cases like the NCAA antitrust lawsuit, brightened the teams’ hopes. But the dominoes started falling recently. Michael Jordan and Co. stated that NASCAR used “anticompetitive and exclusionary practices” in the sport. Also, they filed an injunction to protect their charter status for 2025, citing the risk of losing sponsors, drivers, money, and fan support as open participants. But a federal court judge turned down this request, claiming that the teams presented “only speculative, possible harm.”
The next domino to fall is probably Riley Herbst’s induction into 23XI Racing. This shows that Michael Jordan is striking deals with the “anticompetitive” executives of NASCAR which 23XI and FRM are waging a legal war against. Including Herbst also means getting a third charter, for which 23XI claimed NASCAR has enriched “themselves at the expense of the premier stock car racing teams.” So all this evidence may further convince the court judges to bend the lawsuit in NASCAR’s favor. Last week, Kessler said that 23XI is striking a deal with NASCAR for possible open-car racing, should the injunction appeal fail.
Kessler said NASCAR “has removed the anticompetitive release requirement in its open agreement” to allow 23XI and Front Row to operate as open teams. So Michael Jordan’s continued rapport with his legal adversary for the growth of his team weakens his legal case. Steve Lauletta, 23XI team president, curiously stated that roping in Riley Herbst is a well-timed decision. “As 23XI enters our fifth season next year, we felt the time was right to continue the growth of our organization by adding a third team, and Riley is a driver we think will be a great fit for us.”
Herbst’s induction is not the only factor that may shoot Michael Jordan’s case in the foot.
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Retired veteran hoping to drive under 23XI
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Denny Hamlin admittedly felt emotional when his Joe Gibbs Racing teammate announced his retirement. Martin Truex Jr. left full-time racing this year – but he does not wish to leave racing forever. And Hamlin is eager to take care of his comeback, promising him a Daytona 500 entry for next year. “23XI and (Joe Gibbs Racing) are kind of looking at the options and figuring out what’s the best avenue for it. Certainly, having Martin in the 500 is going to be exciting,” Hamlin said. Truex Jr. is rumored to wheel the No. 78 or the No. 56. He won the 2017 Cup championship with the No. 78 and has used the No. 56 throughout his career and calls that “my number.”
However, the caveat lies in the unresolved NASCAR lawsuit. With Riley Herbst hopping aboard the 23XI bandwagon along with Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick, which charter will Truex Jr. race under? Yet his crew chief is already decided – Cole Pearn, with whom Truex Jr. won 24 races and a championship between 2015-19. The 34-time Cup Series race winner scratched his head at the strange scenario. “I mean as far as I know it’s all going still. I think we’re good. You never know these days, things change in a hurry, right?” Truex Jr. said with a laugh. “A lot going on like you said, I have no clue. But I feel confident I have a contract so that’s a good sign, right?”
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Evidently, Michael Jordan’s hanging lawsuit is leaving a lot of drivers’ 2025 plans under suspense. The next courtroom hearing is scheduled for December, so let us wait until then to see what happens.