Sister, boss, and entrepreneur. Kelley Earnhardt Miller is a multi-tasker and way more than what her surname makes one assume. Though she is a daughter to a NASCAR legend, Dale Earnhardt Sr., and a sister to one of the most popular drivers in the racing universe, Dale Earnhardt Jr., she has earned her way to the top of the organization pyramid at JR Motorsports.
She has been working with JRM since its inception in 2002 and recently was announced as the CEO in 2022. For the most part, her journey was without much help from Jr., who was more focused on racing until the late 2010s. In a conversation with Angie Skinner, Kelley opened up on her willingness to help people as a businesswoman and tackling family dynamics at work.
Kelley Earnhardt is ever-reliable
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It’s no surprise that Kelley Earnhardt has been beside Dale Jr. for most of his life. And, while Jr. was racing, she was managing the web of companies that Jr. owned or had a stake in. Now, that’s a handful and goes back to their childhood. From watching television together to owning a NASCAR team, they have come a long way and draw from each other’s strengths. But, as far as JR Motorsports goes, the sister has been the front and center.
In Skinner Round-up episode 2, Angie Skinner, wife of NASCAR racer Mike Skinner and an entrepreneur, said to Kelley Earnhardt, “Whenever I call you, and it has to do something with a business question or a favor or can you get me this contact. You always respond promptly. You answer what you really do believe.”
She went on to add that Kelley Earnhardt is straightforward and admired her for that. In fact, Skinner hoped more people in the industry could be like that. “(From)…I can help you, I can’t help you, (to) no, we can’t do that, or that’s a great idea, call this person. But, it’s nice to know that someone can just be to the point and check it off the list, and then I can check that question off my list and move forward.”
And, so Kelley Earnhardt said that she is straight with her because she knows she can take it, being an entrepreneur herself. “You take it like it is you know the deal, you know the drill, you know how it works, and you’re the same way. And so it’s very much a two-way street to have that kind of relationship and to be able to be honest,” she told Skinner.
She went on to explain how she is a helper and thus walks straight into situations where she can contribute but ends up going too deep. She said, “I’m a people pleaser… I’m a helper and I walk myself right into situations where I’m like ‘I wanna help but WOW I really got in deep on this one… I’ve just learned that over time that I can’t be everything to everybody, so just giving an honest assessment of whatever it is that you can help with or what’s out of your reach or what’s not or you know is important but it definitely is reciprocal you know.”
She added that she gets asked about working with the family in that environment. “And it’s the same thing. I mean, you have to be able to work in a professional setting and then keep the personal thing aside, and the same thing in friendships and relationships, you know. We’ve hung out in a lot of situations as friends and having fun, and look at each other as professional businesswomen. So you know you always have to keep that, but it’s it’s it’s not always easy when the other people don’t reciprocate that.”
It’s important to note here that she had first-hand ties to racing, too, like her brother and father. Before Jr. even began his racing career, he assisted his sister Kelley with her race car. Kelley was a skilled driver, but after completing her education, she decided to leave racing and took a full-time job at Actions Performance. During that time, she also oversaw Rusty Wallace’s account, her father’s competitor. That turned out to be a boon in disguise, providing her with valuable experience in the business side of NASCAR.
What is working in the family like for Kelley Earnhardt?
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Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his sister Kelley have a strong partnership running their Xfinity Series team, JR Motorsports, which began competing in 2005. Since Dale Jr. retired from full-time racing in 2017, he’s taken a more active role in the business side of JRM, leading to some disagreements with Kelley. However, any disagreements would have been silenced after Justin Allgaier drove his way to victory in the 2024 Xfinity Series Championship in Phoenix.
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Overall, the JRM functioned effectively as a cohesive unit and continues to do so. However, there have been notable changes in family dynamics, as Kelley discussed during the Skinner Round-Up. “It’s actually harder now to balance family dynamics because Dale’s married now. He has kids, I’m married; I have kids. We have different lives… And so it’s more conversations that we have to have, which can lead to more things we disagree on. It’s not bad at all.”
Earlier this year, Earnhardt Miller talked to Kenny Wallace about the issues between her and Dale Jr. When he got involved in business, she made it clear she was in charge. This caused some tension, but they quickly resolved it with a straightforward conversation. She remarked that his participation had definitely altered the initial dynamics of their partnership: “Now he wants to know more of the underneath, and it’s great. I want him to know more, but sometimes he’ll have opinions on it, and I’m like, That’s what we’ve been doing, and he’s like, I don’t care if that’s what we’ve been doing. I’m like, well, this has worked this way for 25 years; don’t screw us up now.”
Dale Jr. has always wanted to take JRM to the NASCAR Cup Series, but current issues like the charter system dispute and financial instability have delayed his dream. Although his team has received offers to join the top level, none have aligned with the goals of the JRM ownership group.
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What do you think about JRMs future?

Few drivers have achieved as much success in Super Late Model racing as Bubba Pollard. At 37 years old, he has celebrated nearly every significant victory in his career, but the Tom Dawson Trophy still remains out of reach. After entering the Snowball Derby 18 times, the Georgia driver is eager to end his streak of not winning this year, even though bad weather is making it difficult for him to prepare. With qualifying approaching, practice sessions were cut short due to rain, adding to the uncertainty of this important event. But, the man from Georgia is more than just a race car driver. Let’s take a look at the driver’s journey over the years
Meet Bubba Pollard: From his early racing days to Late Model Racing veterans.
Born in 1987, Andrew “Bubba” Pollard is a third-generation race car driver from Senoia, Georgia. With over 100 late model victories and 14 championships to his name, the 37-year-old is someone who commands respect. He’s a working-class family guy from Senoia, Georgia, making his living as a construction worker while also racing a Super Late Model in his spare time. As a third-generation racer, Pollard carries on a family legacy—his grandfather founded the Senoia Speedway, and his father, Sonny, also raced. His dad is part of his team, and his sister is his spotter. His wife and daughter often accompany him, as racing is simply a cherished family tradition for the Pollards.
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As a teenager, Pollard got an invitation to join the reality TV series Roush Racing: Driver X. However, when that opportunity didn’t materialize, he participated in a few races in the ARCA Racing Series. Unfortunately, his racing career struggled to gain momentum largely because of insufficient financial backing. But, call it perseverance or luck, Bubba reached Xfinity. The sentiment regarding his debut this year was that he earned it.
What are Bubba Pollard’s achievements and records?
He has achieved victory in several prestigious Super Late Model events across the country, including the Oxford 250 at Oxford Plains Speedway, the Rattler 250 at South Alabama Speedway, and the Winter Showdown at Kern Raceway, which is owned by Kevin Harvick. Additionally, he has won the SpeedFest 200 at Cordele Motor Speedway, the Slinger Nationals at Slinger Super Speedway, and the All-American 400 at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, among others. Furthermore, he was crowned the champion of the ASA Southern Super Series in 2014.
One of the most recognized racers in the U.S., he made his second career appearance in the NASCAR Xfinity Series during the penultimate race of the season at Martinsville Speedway. He took the wheel of the No. 26 Sam Hunt Racing Toyota GR Supra for the National Debt Relief 250 at the half-mile track in Martinsville, Virginia. Earlier in the year, Pollard had the opportunity to make his debut in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Richmond Raceway, where he drove the No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro for JR Motorsports.
via Imago Richmond Raceway
Everyone was eager to see how a driver with such an impressive record in marquee races and championships at short tracks would perform on a national level, particularly after he topped the practice session in his first outing in an Xfinity Series car. The anticipation grew further as he struggled in qualifying, where he made mistakes in Turns 1-2 and did not deliver his best lap. Pollard shone brightly on Saturday despite being a newcomer to the event. He attracted the largest gathering of supporters, family, and media at the No. 88 Rheem Chevrolet on pit road. The crowd erupted when his name was announced over the speakers during the driver introductions, showcasing the excitement surrounding him.
“I hope I made them proud,” Pollard stated after the race when discussing his representation of the short-track racing community. Then he smiled. “I disappointed them in qualifying. I know some of them were laughing at me. I was laughing at myself.”
Will Bubba Pollard ever run full-time in NASCAR’s elite series?
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Dale Earnhardt Jr. and sponsor Rheem worked to place Pollard in a JR Motorsports vehicle at a track where he could shine, thanks to his impressive achievements. This collaboration was celebrated by the racing community, which values opportunities for talented drivers like Pollard.
“I enjoy seeing the guys who have worked so so hard and have run so well over the years in Late Model racing get those chances,” said two-time Cup Series champion Kyle Busch to NASCAR. “I’m thankful to Junior for doing that. It takes money, obviously, to go to the race track. A lot of those guys use that money to race their cars and their programs and don’t spend it on a NASCAR program. I think for the betterment of our sport, it’s cool to see guys like that get a shot.”
An interesting thing to note is that Pollard’s cousin, Philip Bell, is the crew chief for JR Motorsports‘ No. 8 car. After his Richmond performance when he finished in 6th place, a return to NASCAR Xfinity may still be on the table.
Is another Snowball Derby championship awaiting Bubba Pollard in 2024?
Bubba Pollard is seeking redemption. The experienced racing driver nearly won the Snowball Derby last year but encountered problems while trying to overtake Stephen Nasse for the lead with just eight laps remaining. The two drivers have a history, as during the 2020 SpeedFest, Nasse spun Pollard with 15 laps left in the super late model race. Pollard later retaliated by dumping Nasse, sparking a heated exchange between them. So, it’s not surprising that the tension was high when both cars entered Turn 1. In a split second, Pollard and Nasse ended up in the wall at Turn 2, leading to Ty Majeski clinching his second Tom Dawson Trophy in four years.
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As the saying goes, practice makes perfect. However, with rain cutting short the preparations for the Snowball Derby, Pollard isn’t feeling very hopeful about qualifying. The 37-year-old mentioned, “I thought the racetrack didn’t have a lot of grip in it and it’s going to be very similar to what qualifying will be tomorrow night. I think we can take something away… We still had good enough tires to learn something… We were kind of making some adjustments to get where we needed to be and then the rain came. It’s just unfortunate. It’s a good balance on the racecar. I don’t think we will set a fast time or anything. Hopefully, we’ll qualify inside the top 10-15.”
With limited time for preparation, Pollard hopes to use his extensive experience at Five Flags Speedway to achieve good results in qualifying and the Snowball Derby. The veteran feels more determined than ever to claim a victory, especially after last year’s events. Despite the controversy surrounding his incident with Nasse, the Georgia native is keen to move on and focus on the race outcome. Sharing his thoughts, the 37-year-old said, “This time, we just need to be better. We’re already out front and have the track position, and none of that other stuff will matter.”
The reigning champion, Ty Majeski, is also participating in the race.
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What is in store for Bubba Pollard in the 2025 racing season?
If Bubba Pollard continues performing well, who knows, he might even be able to join JR Motorsports full-time. While the team is struggling with financial stability, if someone like Pollard can bring in a sponsor, things might change for the good. And, if history is something to believe in, bringing in a crowd won’t be hard for Pollard. He has performed well this year in the national series, and there are, so far, not enough good reasons to believe he would perform poorly.

Dirt racing and the Chili Bowl have turned out to be preferred choices among the NASCAR drivers in the off-season. So far, the two-time champ Kyle Larson and debutant Kyle Busch have announced their entry for the historic midget racing event. Well, the list can see more additions of NASCAR drivers, given that Joe Gibbs Racing has lifted a ban on their drivers from competing in dirt races.
Well, there’s also a possibility that 2025 rookie driver Shane van Gisbergen could also join this list. SVG is indeed a versatile race car driver who likes to enjoy sprint car racing during his off-season. Well, he is expected to head to his homeland for an extensive sprint car racing schedule that could see him line up against Kyle Larson.
Shane van Gisbergen could be trading blows against Kyle Larson in the sprint car
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The Xfinity Series race in the streets of Chicago delivered fans some thrilling road racing action. The two drivers, Larson and SVG, who were on the top of their game, fought tooth and nail against each other. Kyle Larson wasn’t intimidated by SVG’s road racing prowess and clinched the race. The Kiwi speedster acknowledged his racecraft, and there was healthy competition between the two.
Well, SVG will have plenty of opportunities to get his payback on the HMS star during his rookie run with Trackhouse Racing in the Cup Series. But, there’s a possibility he can do that on the dirt track provided he tweaks his sprint car race schedule for the end of 2024. Now we all know Kyle Larson is heading to Australia, Perth, to compete in the Kubota High Limit international race from 28-30 December. And the Kiwi driver has somewhat of a similar schedule.
SVG will get back behind the wheels of Annette and Brian Theobald’s United Truck Parts #97 Sprint car for seven races. This schedule concludes on January 4, ahead of the start of the Chili Bowl Nationals, and this does allow dirt races to head to the event labelled as the “Super Bowl” of midget car racing. Although Shane van Gisbergen hasn’t added more races to his schedule, a sprint car race down south could be on his radar.
via Imago 230703 — CHICAGO, July 3, 2023 — Shane van Gisbergen C reacts after winning the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Chicago Street Race in Grant Park in Chicago, the United States, on July 2, 2023. Photo by Vincent Johnson/Xinhua SPU.S.-CHICAGO-NASCAR-RACE XuxJing PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxCHN
Now, it’s tough to see SVG hop inside of the midget car for the Chili Bowl Nationals. While he’s raced in midgets before making history in the Supercars championship, he’s more inclined towards competing in the sprint cars, and he stated the reason for this change in preference.
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SVG might not consider competing at the Chili Bowl Nationals
Midget cars, as their name suggests, are small in size and shape. SVG, who is over 6 feet, knows he will have a hard time getting the components of the car made to his size. We all saw Kyle Busch struggling to get inside of a midget car in a video he posted online. Not only that, but the Kiwi Speedster also has some other safety concerns about piloting a midget car.
“I felt safe in a sprint car, I felt in control of the car. You have that cushion on the roof whereas in a midget, you’re on the edge the whole time and about to have a huge crash. It’s an awesome feeling, but a bad one as well,” SVG told this to Speedcafe. Despite his hesitation, fans wanted him to at least give a try at the iconic midget race.
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So there’s still a glimmer of hope that SVG just might race at the Chili Bowl. But, even if he doesn’t turn up, the event is expected to see a long list of Cup drivers attempting to clinch the crown at the SageNet Center. The likes of Ty Gibbs, Christopher Bell, and Chase Briscoe might announce their entry given that they are now free to race on dirt.

Gone are the days when NASCAR was about bootleggers tuning up their cars for a showdown in the dirt. As NASCAR heads deeper into the 2020s, the call for sustainability is higher than ever, and while some may call to ignore it, the folks at NASCAR are certainly paying attention. This time, it’s a fire that NASCAR has to put out.
While the long-standing partnership for sustainable fuel continues in 2025, NASCAR finds itself losing the American Ethanol branding around the fuel port. For over a decade, NASCAR’s green bio-ethanol rings around the gas port have been an iconic visual and a subtle nod to the sport’s embrace of renewable energy. But come 2025, they’re reportedly hitting the pit stop for good (at least for now)—and fans are having the time of their lives making fun of it.
Renowned motorsports journalist Joseph Srigley sparked the conversation when he tweeted: “The American Ethanol ‘Get Bioethanol’ branding (both around and inside the fuel port) will no longer be required starting in 2025. This change will apply to all three of NASCAR’s National Series.” Fans were quick to speculate about what this shift means for NASCAR’s environmental efforts—and, of course, to churn out their best corn jokes.
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Back in 2011, NASCAR shook things up by introducing Sunoco Green E15, a high-performance fuel blend made of 85% gasoline and 15% ethanol. The switch wasn’t just about fuel; it was a cultural shift, putting NASCAR on the map as a leader in motorsports sustainability. E15 promised reduced emissions (by about 20%) and even boosted horsepower, making it a win-win for both environmentalists and speed enthusiasts.
The signature green rings around the gas port served as a badge of honor for the sport’s commitment to going greener. By 2021, the “Get Bioethanol” branding rolled out in Nashville, further cementing NASCAR’s partnership with American Ethanol.
Beyond the environmental benefits, the move to bio-ethanol fuel carried significant economic impacts. It provided a boost to American agriculture, with NASCAR leveraging ethanol’s domestic production as a way to support U.S. farmers. This narrative became a key talking point for the sport, aligning its fuel choice with themes of patriotism and innovation, which resonated with its core fan base.
NASCAR fans react with banter and questions
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Fast forward to now, and things are looking a little less green. Srigley’s tweet hints that NASCAR might be quietly stepping away from the ethanol partnership, though it’s unclear if that means an end to E15 altogether or just the sponsorship deal. Fans haven’t missed a beat, with one cheekily asking, “Did ‘Big Corn’ decide not to cut more checks?” This fan hinted at the larger schemes at play in NASCAR. Several sponsors are slowly leaving the Cup Series arena. FedEx marked their exit from Denny Hamlin’s car and so did H—ers from Chase Elliott’s Hendrick Chevy. This change in branding requirements might just be the latest twist in the sponsorship battle.
Another fan jokingly predicted, “Plot twist: it’ll be 100% corn now. The entire car will be that shade of green.” The bid to turn NASCAR into a greener sport led to the adaptation of ethanol in the fuel for cars. In America, most ethanol comes from corn, since the crop is widely available all across the country. Some are taking the news in stride, serving up hilarious one-liners like “Colonel Kernel is no longer welcome at Daytona.” Regardless, it opens up a massive opportunity for NASCAR teams to get an additional sponsor on board since there is now an open slot on their cars where the sign for the fuel initially went.
One fan speculated, “Okay, since no one asked yet… why? My guess is it’s a sponsorship that costs money. Someone stopped paying.” Another raised a bigger question: “So is it still going to be a corn mix or back to 100% gas?” The major question on everybody’s minds was indeed the fuel choice for next year. However, the question of sponsorship doesn’t change NASCAR’s commitment to sustainability. It will continue its partnership with Sunoco and their Green E15, the 98-octane unleaded fuel.
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Regardless of the reason, the change highlights a possible shift in NASCAR’s sustainability journey. While the removal of the rings might seem like a small detail, it represents a potential pivot away from a fuel that’s been integral to NASCAR’s green narrative.

NASCAR fans might be missing out on the racing action in the off-season, but there’s still plenty of drama. Especially since Denny Hamlin’s 23XI Racing is suing NASCAR on antitrust grounds after refusing to sign the new charter agreement. If you know Hamlin, he doesn’t beat around the bush to make his points; rather, he has an approach of jumping in first and thinking about it later.
This was evident when he took a jab at former crew chief and respected SiriusXM NASCAR radio host, Larry McReynolds. “Oh, and if you could stop spreading disinformation to your listeners about our lawsuit, I would really appreciate it. Thanks!” Hamlin shared this on X. However, with the recent developments and momentum swinging in NASCAR’s favor, McReynolds has once again made a bold prediction. One that is likely to garner a response from the JGR driver.
Did 23XI Racing and FRM make a mistake in filing a lawsuit against NASCAR?
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Although Denny Hamlin and Co. have been the loudest in backing their argument against NASCAR on social media platforms, the court hearings haven’t exactly gone their way. The rejection of their expedited discovery was the first blow for the teams, who were banking on their ruling to solidify their preliminary injunction case. The idea here was to get access to the information and details about the charter negotiations right from their inception in 2016.
That was not it; their initial appeal for the injunction was also rejected by the federal court, as the teams failed to prove irreparable harm. Their final resort is now the US Appeals Court, where they have refiled a motion for an injunction, which has again been countered by NASCAR in their statement. While it’s tough to guess where the ball might land, Larry McReynolds seems to have made his judgment. He pitched a scenario that would be detrimental to 23XI Racing’s existence and their future in NASCAR.
“Honestly, at the end of the day, I’m starting to get concerned about the whole Front Row and the 23XI deal. Based on what little I know, based on what I hear and what people explain, it just does not sound like it’s going in their favor… I think when it’s all said and done, I know I’m probably going down a rabbit hole. I don’t think 23XI, Front Row is going to regret that they ever did this.” McReynolds said this SiriusXM Radio show, On-Track.
He didn’t stop there and went on to make bold claims that all the team owners didn’t necessarily see the new charter agreement as a bad deal. “I’m not backing down from my stance on this, and I’m sure if you did a private conversation off the record with the other 13 owners, the ones that signed this agreement, Probably most of them, or all of them, would tell you there’s a lot of things that could be better for us as owners in this sport, but as I’ve heard some of them say, it’s not bad.”
via Imago HAMPTON, GA – MARCH 18: Denny Hamlin 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Shingrix Toyota during qualifications for the Ambetter Health 400 NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series race on March 18, 2023 at the Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton, Georgia. Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire AUTO: MAR 18 NASCAR Cup Series Race Atlanta Icon953230318382
Well, let us take a look back at what the team owners really had to say about the charter negotiations. We had the likes of Richard Childress, Rick Hendrick, and former SHR owner Tony Stewart all sharing their honest thoughts about it.
Not all owners were thrilled to sign the new charter deal
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Teams certainly weren’t content with how tough it was becoming to run their racing operations with giant teams like Hendrick Motorsports being unable to turn a profit year after year. For context, the charter negotiation lasted for almost two years, and at the end of the day, NASCAR got fed up with the bickering and gave the teams the ultimatum.
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They strong-armed the team into signing the deal with the threat of losing out on their charters. And this is where most of them fell in line. Going by Rick Hendrick’s words, it felt like teams settled for what they were getting. “I think we worked really hard for two years, and it got down to, you’re not going to make everybody happy. And I think it got down to, I was just tired.”
Meanwhile, veteran team owner Richard Childress knew about the risks involved in going against the mighty NASCAR. And given the span at which his team operates, he wasn’t willing to bet it all on a lawsuit. “I didn’t have a choice, because we had to sign. I got over 400 employees, OEM contracts, contracts with sponsors, and I’ve gotta take care of my team.”
While the two owners were careful in what they said about the lawsuit and the charter situation, outgoing owner Tony Stewart didn’t hold any punches. “The charter systems are a joke. When someone like Rick Hendrick says, ‘I just got tired of arguing with them,’ do you think Rick Hendrick runs his business and negotiations and just says, ‘I’m going to just sign this agreement because I’m tired of arguing with you.’? Rick Hendrick’s never done that a day in his life.”
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Although 23XI and FRM have refiled their injunction plea, there’s no confirmation on the date of the hearing. And the comments above suggest that there’s still plenty of drama that is yet to come from this lawsuit.

In his first year with Richard Childress Racing, Kyle Busch had three race wins, which got the fans’ hopes up about a potential title-contending run in 2024. But, in reality, the season turned out to be a dark spot in what has been an illustrious NASCAR racing career. All he had was a couple of runner-up finishes to show for his efforts and ended the season 20th in the points standings.
This was his worst-ever overall performance, tying with his debut season back in 2005. However, the only difference in 2024 was that he wasn’t even able to win a single race. Rowdy was the NASCAR record holder for having at least one win every season consecutively for 19 years, but he couldn’t make it 20. And this dismal showing by Busch overall has led to some doubt about his ability to win races. However, no one expected MRN’s veteran journalist Doug Rice to make a bold prediction about Kyle Busch’s racing career.
Will Kyle Busch win a NASCAR race at RCR?
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It’s no secret that Busch has found the grass to be greener on RCR’s side after parting ways with Joe Gibbs Racing. For a driver who was in his prime year with a team where he achieved his most success, he would’ve liked to retire there, But with M&M’s pulling the plug on their sponsorship, the driver was forced to find a new home, and he landed at RCR.
Gone are those days when RCR would contend for championships and wins during the reign of Dale Earnhardt. In fact, newcomers like Trackhouse Racing and Spire Motorsports have shown more promise than RCR. So, it wasn’t the best possible choice for Kyle Busch to spend his last few prime years, but he had to accept his fate. However, will this decision prove a deciding one that closes the door for Rowdy to compete for a win? Well, Doug Rice from MRN thinks so.
Danielle Trotta was the one who revealed the story while speaking with Larry McReynolds on the SiriusXM NASCAR Radio show. “I was asked to be a guest on Pier and Fast Talk with Doug Rice and Brad Gilly the other day. Doug was throwing out a prediction; Doug Rice threw out there that he doesn’t think Kyle Busch will ever win again. I was like, wow, I am not ready to say that. I mean, that’s a hot take but a lot of people are wondering can Kyle Busch ever become the Kyle Busch of old again. I certainly hope.”
Well, it is indeed hard to see the old Rowdy make a comeback, especially with parity racing now taking center stage. But when you see the likes of Austin Dillon, Harrison Burton, and Chase Briscoe getting wins in 2024, you wonder if Rice’s take was more like a doomsday scenario. And McReynolds himself couldn’t agree to that. “I don’t think he will become the Kyle Busch of old. I think that ship has sailed, but I’m like you, I’m not ready to say we won’t see him back in victory lane.”
via Imago TALLADEGA, AL – APRIL 22: Kyle Busch 8 McLaren Custom Grills Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet talks with members of his crew during qualifying for the NASCAR, Motorsport, USA Cup Series GEICO 500 on April 22, 2023 at Talladega SuperSpeedway in Talladega, AL. Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire AUTO: APR 22 NASCAR Cup Series GEICO 500 EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon230422500693
Let’s put it like this: RCR wasn’t able to provide their star driver with consistent race speeds. And when they did crack the code, they were either at odds with luck or trying too hard to convert those results. This is something Busch himself agreed to while speaking in the latest interview by Racer.com.
Missed opportunities certainly made the 2024 season look worse for Busch and RCR
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It’s not that Kyle Busch never got the opportunity to be in a spot where he could win a race this year. To be precise, there were three golden opportunities where he could’ve extended his streak to the 20th year. The race at Kansas was perhaps the clear-cut case of Rowdy forcing the issue without any threats by his rivals.
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With 35 laps to go, he tried to thread the needle against Chase Briscoe, who was a lap down, and he failed miserably. Unable to check up after the blocks made by the #14 car, Busch crashed into the wall and gave up a golden opportunity to win the race. This was during the playoffs. Next, we have his encounter again with Briscoe, this time at Darlington, which was a cutoff race ahead of the playoffs.
Well, this time around the pace of the #14 car was too good for Busch. Had there been a late caution, the story would’ve been different. But it goes to show how Kyle Busch couldn’t catch a good break. In the fall race at Daytona, he didn’t have the support he needed to close out the race, and a late race run by Harrison Burton snatched a win from Busch’s hands.
Reflecting back on the missed opportunities, Busch said, “Even having a shot to win late in the day; being close at Daytona, and maybe even closer at Kansas, and not being able to pull through. We probably had a handful of opportunities that slipped out from under us. So [I] can’t say we never had an opportunity to, but obviously didn’t get it done.”
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If anything, Rowdy showed us that he can still compete for wins despite being stacked up against the odds. And while things went against him and the #8 team this year, they have an opportunity to script a massive comeback, which will be anticipated by the fans in 2025.

“Win on Sunday. Sell on Monday.” That’s what NASCAR has been about for a long time. It’s a formula that works for its fanbase, one largely based in America. However, as Jeff Gordon brought NASCAR to an international audience at his peak, the love for the premier stock-racing league grew, and Kenny Wallace has a theory.
Recently, NASCAR insider and veteran Kenny Wallace shared his stance about why this is a great opportunity and the real reason behind NASCAR’s probable success in the European market.
NASCAR might reach the pinnacle of success in Europe due to the European mindset
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In collaboration with Team FJ, NASCAR is all set to welcome an era of high-paced racing in Europe in 2025. While the American branch of the race takes most of the prime spotlight, it is anticipated that the revamped structure will be a treat to all NASCAR fans. One of the primary reasons such measures exist. It’s simply to ensure that the Euro Series becomes an integral part of the sport and a touring event just like its American counterpart. Despite its nascent stage, the Euro Series is gaining quite a bit of traction in the European market.
Why so? Well, NASCAR favorite Kenny Wallace has an interesting perspective. He explained, “The reason is simple—people in places like Australia and Europe think American racing is badass. They love what NASCAR represents. Sometimes it seems like people here don’t appreciate it as much, but abroad, there’s genuine excitement and admiration. Over in Europe, NASCAR is seen as thrilling and unique, just as we admire Formula 1 from this side of the world.” NASCAR as a sport is older than Formula 1 and given an edge it allows the drivers, it adds to the adrenaline rush for viewers too. Moreover, European motorsports usually focus largely on open-wheeled racing, with other racing series similar to Formula 1. Even the biggest competition that is similar to stock-car racing, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, is more of an endurance race than one of pure speed.
“It’s worth remembering that millions of people in Europe tune in to watch races. They love fast cars, which is why places like Germany’s Autobahn have no speed limit. They’re passionate about racing and respect American cars and drivers.” Simply put, there’s nothing like the high-speed rush of NASCAR in Europe. Drivers such as Kimi Raikkonen made the switch looking for a different racing experience over the decades, but there has been no regular connection between the sports. Now that F1 races on three tracks in America, it might be time for NASCAR to expand its European options. After all, Rick Hendrick did bring his team over to France for Le Mans.
via Imago 24 HENDRICK MOTORSPORTS USA CHEVROLET CAMARO ZL1 – INNOVATIVE CAR – JIMMIE JOHNSON USA MIKE ROCKENFELLER DEU JENSON BUTTON GBR DURING THE 91st 24 HOURS OF LE MANS, CENTENARY EDITION, 4TH ROUND OF THE 2023 FIA WORLD ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIP FIA WEC, COLLECTIVE CAR SHOOT, CIRCUIT DES 24 HEURES DU MANS, LE MANS FRA, JUNE 06 2023 AUTOMOBILE : 24 Heures du Mans – FIA WEC – Championnats du monde d Endurance – 06/06/2023 MPSAgency/Panoramic PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRAxITAxBEL
A very important part of this program will entail connecting European talents with American prodigies and creating a pipeline that will recognize and boost the drivers toward further development. Conversely, there is no doubt that the European market simply loves NASCAR and the racing experience it offers to the viewers. NASCAR’s Vice President and Chief International Officer Chad Seigler was quite hopeful of the possibilities that this venture brings in. He said, “As we continue to expand internationally, we’re excited to strengthen our presence in Europe. The launch of this new era means new opportunities and excitement for participants and partners who will join us starting in 2025”.
The NASCAR Euro Series is all set to hit the European tracks in 2025 and at the moment, seven events are planned. The first race for the series kicks off in April at Valencia, Spain. The series will, however, end at the Circuit Zolder in Belgium in October. With its unique blend of high-octane action and strategic collaboration, NASCAR’s foray into Europe promises to not only elevate the sport’s global appeal but also cement its position as a thrilling motorsport phenomenon across continents.
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Meanwhile, Kenny Wallace finds a different problem plaguing NASCAR fans in America.
Kenny Wallace takes on the “greed” showcased by Diecast Industry
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Kenny Wallace has always stayed true to his NASCAR roots. Every time things seemed to go haywire for the industry, he was the first to lend a helping hand. Recently, a round of criticism had taken over the online world as claims that NASCAR as a sport is on its deathbed began circulating. This came as a notion after some die casts were seen left unsold in stores even after the stellar Black Friday Sale. These die casts and souvenirs make up one of the ways the community assesses the success of the sport
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Wallace mentioned that it is the greed and over-estimation of the souvenir companies that has led to higher production of the souvenirs in contrast to demand. The unsold dicasts were a result of a miscalculated demand-supply chain instead of NASCAR’s fall. This mass production of souvenirs has also led to a further decline in the valuation of the souvenirs and even lesser turnover. He explained, “NASCAR souvenirs and die casts, that business went to hell in a handbasket, and here’s why, because they lied to you. What they did was they make a Dale Earnhardt die-cast […] they say this is only one of 10,000. Well, what would happen to them souvenir companies? They’d get greedy and then make more”.
Wallace’s critique highlights how unchecked greed and poor market strategies have undermined the die-cast industry’s credibility, impacting both collectors and fans. His call for transparency and smarter production practices serves as a reminder that sustainable success lies in valuing the community over profit.

Few things are as important as family, thanksgiving dinners, and naps. For the King of Nascar, Richard Petty, it’s all about having it all. Doesn’t his NASCAR record substantiate our claim? But, this time, this holiday season, he missed something important mainly because of his nap. Who doesn’t remember the feeling of waking up startled after a full, cozy meal, thinking two years have passed?
Besides, he ticked off one thing well – the food. And isn’t that at least half the point? So, what exactly happened at the Petty’s this Thanksgiving?
The story of a Kingless photo
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At the Petty’s this year, the house and the tummies were full. The tradition took a full circle. The King reported that usually, during the holiday, the table sits around half or two-thirds of the “crowd.” And, sure enough, from the family photo shared by Kyle Petty, one can see about 24 people. Housefull, isn’t it?
That’s what the fans saw in the aftermath of Thanksgiving dinner. All members of the Petty extended family together in one massive group photo. Except, upon closer inspection, fans realized someone was missing. One of NASCAR’s winningest drivers, Richard Petty, was nowhere to be seen in the picture. While some sent their wishes to Kyle Petty and co, most fans remained curious about where the King was.
It wasn’t long before Richard Petty came out with an answer. In an episode of ‘Fan Questions Only’, Petty revealed the story behind the instance. “They bring all the food. They were there all morning. We all start eating as soon as they get stuff in. Probably, about 2 o’clock, I think they finally sat down and started eating. And so when they got through eating, I went in the Den, and I laid down, and I said, I’ll take a little nap here. You know, I was plum full,” Richard Petty said.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Richard Petty (@therichardpetty)
And, then, he woke up to an empty house. Now, which one of us hasn’t had that feeling? Talk about big meals, full hearts, full houses! It was the same for the 87-year-old NASCAR legend: “Everybody was gone. I said I must have been dreaming, you know. But then I looked in the fridge, and they had left me some leftovers. So, I know I hadn’t missed anything.”
This year’s celebrations were particularly important for the Petty family. Just a few months ago, the family came together at the Martinsville race to celebrate 75 years of the Petty family’s racing legacy. Lee Petty’s NASCAR foundations reached new heights under Richard Petty, with his 7-Cup Series titles. It’s left a permanent mark on American racing history and remains an unmatched legacy in the sport’s history.
It’s just one of the traditions the NASCAR family shares. Earlier this year, Richard Petty’s grandchildren shared a scary experience with The King.
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Driving with the Pettys: Another Tradition
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Richard Petty’s passion for racing extends to teaching his grandchildren to drive. Unlike a typical DMV test, they had to complete the Richard Petty driving assessment to earn their licenses, a tradition he doesn’t seem to have missed. In a YouTube channel, four of his grandchildren shared memories of their unique “sweet sixteen” driving experiences.
Maggie, Richard’s granddaughter, fondly recalled how they had to go through the Richard Petty driving test after getting their driver’s license. “Every time we got our driver’s license…he had to get us in the car. We have to pass the Richard Petty driving test. That was scary. Not getting in the car with the driving teacher, getting in the car with him scary,” she explained. Hanna, another of Richard Petty’s grandchildren, added, “He wore a (racing) helmet with me.”
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“He took me somewhere and said, ‘Get back to the house,’ and I said, ‘Don’t know how to get back.’ And he said, ‘Too bad, you got to figure out. Should have been paying attention’,” Hanna recalled. Can one even overlook the practicality of his approach? Especially in the context of Petty’s career, which revolved around making quick decisions and facing intense challenges, he might be the best coach to others. Moreover, holding the record for the most NASCAR victories (200) and sharing the lead for the most championships (7) certainly adds to his credibility.
Do you have any family traditions around Thanksgiving and/or driving?

NASCAR legend Tony Stewart has put his lavish 415-acre Hidden Hollow Ranch in Columbus, Indiana, on sale. This is not a new listing; rather, Smoke had initially put out this lavish property on sale two years ago. With a price tag of $30 million, the ranch became one of the most expensive properties to go on sale in the state’s history.
Well, there’s no shortage of amenities inside Stewart’s rustic mansion. But, despite the appeal and luxurious feel, the buyers weren’t willing to shell out $30 million to claim ownership of this property. This has forced Stewart to put out a more discounted price in a bid to attract buyers for his ranch.
Tony Stewart has put out a new price of $22.5 million for his Indiana home
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After failing to get a reasonable offer for the $30 million property, Stewart listed back this property on sale for a discounted price tag of $22.5 million. The Hidden Hallow Ranch has a rustic and natural theme that features a two-story waterfall and flowing stream at its entrance. The house also comes with a gaming arena, a golf simulator, and an Onyx bar.
That’s not it; the biggest room inside the property features an 8,700-gallon freshwater aquarium and also has a 9-acre lake. This property is unique given its close ties to the forest ecosystem; animals like turkey, deer, and elk can be spotted. And yes, the property is licensed for hunting. The new price, which is a $7.5 million drop from the original offer, is expected to lure in more buyers and offers for the lavish home.
Carrie Holle, an agent from Compass, revealed the reason behind the discounted rate at which the Hidden Hallow Ranch is now listed. “We strive to ensure that our pricing remains competitive and in line with current market trends, ultimately offering the best value to potential buyers. This adjustment allows us to present the property at a price that accurately reflects its worth in today’s market, providing a fair and attractive opportunity for interested parties.”
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)
Well, there might be a reason behind Stewart being eager to sell off this property. He’s now fully committed to his racing career at NHRA Top Fuel, and as we all know, running a race team requires a lot of funding and financial muscle. And going by his latest admissions, it feels as if his TSR Nitro team would be in a better space if the $22.5 million sale of his Indiana home goes through.
NASCAR struggles have continued for Stewart at NHRA as well
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Stewart Haas Racing once dominated the NASCAR racing circuits, with two championships and multiple Final 4 appearances. Smoke has enjoyed a lot of success. But, with the changing times, SHR wasn’t able to repeat this feat, especially with the Next Gen car. With dwindling performance on the racetrack and a lack of business, he was forced to pull the plug on his ownership stint.
It is estimated that $20 million is what the teams have to shell out to run a top-flight car in the Cup Series. And SHR had not one but four entries. So you can only imagine how difficult it would’ve been for Stewart to keep funding his team. But he seems to have run into similar trouble with his ownership role at TSR Nitro, as he revealed that his team is yet to break even for the 2024 season.
“It has to make sense financially to run these cars, and we struggled for the first two seasons as a team owner. We never did even come close to breaking even for this season, but at the end of this season our books look a lot better, and I think we’re finally going to be in a situation where hopefully we can at least break even for the season financially,” Stewart said on Race Industry Week.
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However, he is hopeful that things are going to change. With more brands attracted to NHRA racing and with a new TV deal being worked out behind the scenes. He certainly would be in a better place if the sale of $22.5 million worth of property in Indiana goes through. This would give him some breathing space and allow him to focus on his racing as a full-time driver for the 2025 season.

For Gio Ruggiero, the road to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series is never easy, but he’s embracing it wholeheartedly despite public skepticism. As of December 2, TRICON Garage announced that Ruggiero would take over from Taylor Gray, who is joining Joe Gibbs Racing in the Xfinity Series. As Ruggiero prepares to make his Daytona International Speedway debut this weekend, he’s determined to prove his critics wrong.
It has been debated by NASCAR fans whether Ruggiero should be considered a “pay driver” and whether TRICON’s decision to promote him so soon is the right one. A breakout season is unlikely for the ambitious teenager who wants to be Rookie of the Year (ROTY).
Ruggiero has big ambitions for Truck Series debut
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“I am super thankful to have the opportunity to run full-time with TRICON in 2025,” Ruggiero said in a team release. Gilliland echoed the optimism, saying, “Gio has shown a lot of promise in his young career… We do not doubt that he will have a successful rookie season.” It was Ruggiero’s 2024 season in the ARCA Menards Series that showed his potential. Venturini Motorsports drove him to a win, five top fives, and six top 10s in the ARCA Menards Series East. In ARCA, he had 11 top-five finishes and led 255 laps. He doesn’t dominate other rising stars, such as Jesse Love, who won the 2023 ARCA Menards Series title.
In a recent SiriusXM NASCAR interview, Ruggiero acknowledged the pressure but radiated gratitude and determination. “It’s been a dream of mine to race in the Truck Series ever since I started racing at Seekonk Speedway. Now, it’s kind of like a full-circle moment for me.” Even though he’s aiming for the ROTY title in 2025, he’s still just finishing races and running upfront. In his words, “I don’t necessarily have a specific list that I’ve kind of written anything down but I obviously want to go out there and win Rookie of the Year.
TRICON’s strong roster, which includes veteran drivers Corey Heim and Tanner Gray, and fellow rookie Toni Breidinger, could help Ruggiero grow. “I think I’ve got some great teammates who will be able to help me through the learning process,” Ruggiero shared. Although he’s got a high-caliber team behind him, fan skepticism persists.
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When a driver’s rise seems faster than expected in NASCAR circles, it’s called a “pay driver.” In Ruggiero’s case, it stems from his ARCA performances. The second-place finish at Phoenix and the win at Five Flags Speedway highlighted his talent, but he didn’t have the championship dominance fans expected. One fan said, “Toyota is taking pay drivers over talent these days with the exception of Corey. See the JGR xfinity line up for proof.”
Ruggiero’s elevation has also been questioned by some fans, saying, “That seems really early for Ruggiero they haven’t even had a full year in arca yet” wondering if Toyota sees long-term potential in him or if financial backing played a bigger role. Comparisons to William Sawalich, who outperformed Ruggiero en route to the 2024 ARCA Menards Series East championship, have fueled these debates. Some think Sawalich’s skill set eclipses Ruggiero’s at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway. “Does Toyota see something in Ruggiero, or is he bringing a check to TRICON?” one fan speculated.
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This critique becomes even sharper when you compare him to Jade Avedisian, another Toyota-backed prospect. As the first woman to win a national dirt midget championship, Avedisian won five races in the Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series in 2023. Toyota has committed to her development, including major dirt midget races and a transition to road courses in the Toyota GR Cup Series. There’s so much talent waiting in the wings, that some fans think Ruggiero’s ascent is premature.
‘Pay driver’ or prodigy in the making?
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What makes the assessment odd is the record Ruggiero has so far. One of his biggest achievements in his racing career is winning the Winchester 500, known as the ‘World’s Fastest 1/2 mile’ along with one of the highest banking angles in motorsports. Additionally, winners of this race include many former Cup Series champions like Tony Stewart and Jeff Gordon.
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Still, not all assessments are negative. Ruggiero’s third-place finish at Mid-Ohio stands out as a testament to his ability to excel outside his comfort zone, even to skeptics. If TRICON’s faith in him is warranted, or if the “pay driver” tag will stick, his debut Truck Series season will determine. Still, Ruggiero’s focused on what’s next. TRICON is committed to nurturing young talent, even if that means taking calculated risks. “Jumping into the Truck Series is no small feat,” Gilliland acknowledged, “but Gio has proven that he adapts quickly.”
Going into the Truck Series, Ruggiero has a bunch of positive stats on his side. To begin with, he has the Show Me The Money Pro Late Models (2022), CRA Super Series (2023), and Southern Super Series (2023) titles. The 2024 season even saw him get seven top-5 finishes nine top-10 finishes.

It’s the end of an era. The iconic Chevrolet Camaro sails off into the sunset. A car that has won championships and become one of the leading vehicles in Chevy’s arsenal not just in NASCAR, but in the international car market will be discontinued. More importantly, for NASCAR, fans might have a shakeup on their hands.
With the discontinuation of the Camaro, some fans begged Chevrolet to switch over to the Cadillac after images of a possible NASCAR edition of the car began circulating online.
Now, race cars aren’t exactly like normal on-road passenger vehicles, but the branding makes a huge difference. For these OEMs to sell what they are promoting on the racetrack, they need to promote the body design for their cars. While NASCAR cannot force Chevrolet to discontinue the Camaro model, the car will not have any Camaro branding. This means the essential slogan of NASCAR, “Win on Sunday, sell on Monday.” is essentially redundant for the car.
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At the same time, some users on X began circulating an image of a Cadillac in full NASCAR regalia. It gave off a similar feeling to the Camaro turned ZL1 being used at the moment in the Cup Series. What makes these rumors stronger for fans is Cadillac’s entry into F1. It shows General Motors is ready to take on new challenges in the motorsports world. If they are ready to jump into the high-stakes world of F1 in Europe, an entry into NASCAR wouldn’t be a long shot.
More importantly, Chevrolet and its parent company GM lack a car that represents their brand. Sure, while fans would be upset if Chevrolet left the NASCAR sphere if Cadillac took their spot, it would soothe the NASCAR community. Some think Cadillac would even be a better option than foreign manufacturers like Honda and Hyundai entering the sport with their cars.
Not everyone is sold on the idea of Cadillac stepping into NASCAR, though. It’s no secret that Chevrolet has a rich motorsports heritage, playing a key role in IMSA’s history. Whether it’s the Chevrolet Grand Prix at the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park or iconic vehicles like the Chevrolet Corvette GTP, Chevrolet has left its mark. Chevrolet’s Corvette GTP raced in the IMSA Camel GT series from 1984 to 1989, laying the groundwork for future innovations. Chevrolet’s commitment to excellence on the track is evidenced by models like the Corvette C5-R, which won back-to-back GT Le Mans titles in 2020 and 2021. In spec racing, the brand has shined, with Chevrolet V8 engines in the Oreca FLM09 Prototype Challenge from 2014 to 2017.
Let’s see what the fans have to say about a possible Cadillac entry into the sport.
The NASCAR direction Chevrolet is taking has divided fans
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Chevrolet’s decision to stick with the Camaro design for the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season has sparked strong fan reactions, ranging from calls for drastic change to support for the status quo. “Scrap the Camaro. This is what they use from now on,” one fan quipped.
Remember Austin Dillon’s dramatic overtime win at the 2024 Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway? In that race, Dillon collided with Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin, securing a controversial playoff spot and sparking comparisons to Chevrolet’s lingering commitment to the Camaro. “Logano looks in the mirror to see the big grin on the grill of that Caddy just before Dillon sends him into the wall,” joked another fan referring to the incident, predicting a Cadillac-dominated NASCAR in the future.
The potential entry of Cadillac, another GM brand, into NASCAR, has been met with mixed reactions. “I can’t explain why, but I’m glad they did not try to use Cadillac,” one fan said. The IMSA Cadillac V-LMDh was brilliant in endurance racing, but they questioned its fit in NASCAR, arguing that replacing Chevrolet’s name wouldn’t be right. The manufacturer’s legacy in the sport is unrivaled. First introduced in 1955 with Herb Thomas’ 1955 Chevrolet 150, the company has made quite a name for itself. It has over 814 Cup Series race wins, 40 Manufacturers’ titles, and 33 drivers titles. Seeing it exit NASCAR simply due to a branding issue would be a heart-break for the community.
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The Camaro’s continued presence offers comfort to those who value Chevrolet’s motorsports heritage. A fan said, “It actually looks great.” Others noted the design’s similarity to past Cadillac models. “I like this. Looks like a larger XLR,” noted another fan, nodding to the Cadillac XLR’s rare and high-performance heritage. Although Cadillac discontinued the XLR years ago due to dwindling sales, NASCAR may be the perfect platform to bring it back into the public eye.

Before manufacturing wars were common in NASCAR during the 1980s, tire companies battled for supremacy. On one side of the ring, you had Goodyear, a long-trusted partner for NASCAR, and newcomer Hoosier on the other. The latter wanted to disrupt the tire market in NASCAR, which was solely controlled by a single company.
Out of all the drivers, Geoff Bodine was the one who made the most out of running the Hoosier tries during the races. Now it is tough to get the stories of the epic tire war from the past, but Bodine signed up for Q&A sessions with fans. And, let’s just say he did more than enough to expose how brutally his racing career got affected in the aftermath of the tire wars.
Geoff Bodine believes Goodyear sabotaged his races for siding with Hoosier
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In 1988, a relatively smaller tire company based out of Lakeville, Indiana, entered the NASCAR Cup Series races. The company was founded by Robert Newton and Joyce Newton. NASCAR had no issues with the teams choosing between the Hoosier and Goodyear, and teams started to learn that Hoosier had softer and faster tires. At the end of the 1988 season, the small tire company helped teams win 9 races. And this was enough to wake up the sleeping giant, Goodyear.
After a two-year stint, Hoosier returned to NASCAR in 1944; this time, they had contracts with drivers to run their tires. Geoff Bodine, who sided with Hoosier, certainly made the most of this tire war as he would rack up 12 pole positions along with three wins in 1994. Unfortunately, the deaths of Neil Bonnett and Rodney Orr, who were driving on Hoosier, proved costly for them, and they announced their exit from NASCAR.
And now that Goodyear had gained its top spot back, there were rumors about the company sabotaging the drivers that had sided with their rivals. Dale Jr. wanted to know if these rumors had any basis or not and asked Bodine. “Y’all ask him if he thinks Goodyear really conspired against him after his stint with Hoosier.”
To which the veteran driver responded, “Dale, I really know that they conspired against me for running Hoosier Tires. I know you have a copy of my book, and it explains what and how Goodyear did what they did, and it explains how Bill France Jr. told me to run the Hoosier Tires in 1994 and how he never told Goodyear that HE told me to run them. And when he did tell Goodyear that it was his idea, for me to run the Hoosiers, Goodyear changed all the tires they’d already mounted for me and mounted up all new, different tires.”
Interestingly, after Hoosier’s departure from NASCAR, Geoff Bodine was only able to clinch a single race win across five full-time seasons until 1999. And well, looking at the current state of tires and how it’s shaping up racing in the Next Gen era, an entry of another Hoosier might bring out better results.
Can Goodyear tires improve short-track racing?
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What is interesting is that the current short-track package is lacking with Hoosier tires provided. Quick and softer tires wear off quickly. Well, those of you who have been following the 2024 season might know the predicament NASCAR is in with the short-track package. Of course, there was this surprising tire wear race early in the year at Bristol. But as it turns out, it was just a one-off race.
Lack of passing opportunity and little to no tire wear has forced the teams to prioritize track position over actual racing. Strategies are out the window. Especially with the Next Gen car, as the field is packed up close to each other. There are concerns about the future of short tracks, as stale racing has led to some of the good tracks getting a boot from NASCAR.
Richmond Raceway lost a race for the 2025 schedule, whereas more road courses and mile-and-a-half tracks are being prioritized. There’s been an outcry by veteran drivers like Dale Jr. and Denny Hamlin to fix the short-track racing before it is too late. “I do not see short-track racing surviving this if they don’t find some solution. And it’s not out of the question to think that in just a few years the Martinsville and the Bristols are going to be really hanging on.” Dale Jr. said this on his podcast.
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NASCAR is trying to experiment with Goodyear on developing a softer tire for short tracks. The Martinsville playoff race did feature the new compound, but it’s hard to say it is going to solve the current problems entirely.

Kyle Busch was the most relieved NASCAR driver to see the 2024 season come to an end. It would be an understatement to say that Rowdy had a bad season. Without a single race win to his name and failure to make it to the playoffs, this year is certainly the lowest he’s ever been. Needless to say, there’s a lot for Richard Childress Racing and Busch to look back on and see how they could’ve done things differently.
However, amongst the slump and disappointments in delivering subpar results, there was one thing that stung Kyle Busch the most. It was his failure to maintain his streak of winning at least one race for every season.
Kyle Busch wanted to extend his win streak beyond 19 years
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It’s fair to say that Rowdy was more concerned about his winning streak than making it into the playoffs. With the mediocre results and constant changes within the team, he soon came to realize he wasn’t on par with the rest of the grid. Just before the Olympic break kicked in, the #8 team had just two top 5 results and was up against the odds to make it to the playoffs. Therefore, Busch knew his primary objective for the rest of the season was to get that one race win.
Unfortunately, just like the speed on the #8 RCR Chevy, luck wasn’t on Rowdy’s side. Just when it looked like he could finally end his winless streak, he would catch a bad break. And just like that, his hopes of making the winning streak to the 20th year ended in vain. Well, even after the season has concluded, Busch isn’t over it and reflects back on missing out on his historic winning streak.
“I would have much rather it been [that] if I’m going to run six, seven more years, that it last 25, 26 years and just make it a mark that will never be achievable. But unfortunately, those things didn’t happen. Things changed for me a couple of years ago (moving to RCR), and I was grateful to be able to extend the streak last year and make it my own. But honestly, it’s hard to put that many good years together in a row. It’s difficult.” Kyle Busch said this to Kelly Crandall from Racer.com.
At 19, this streak by Rowdy is still a NASCAR record after he started competing full-time in 2005. Richard Petty held this record prior to Busch, as he scored wins consecutively for 18 years in a row. At 19, this record is still within the reach of drivers who are competing. Joey Logano with 13 is the closest one. And he isn’t going to quit racing anytime soon.
via Getty INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – JULY 20: Kyle Busch, driver of the #8 Cheddar’s Patriotic Chevrolet, waits on the grid during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 20, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
It wasn’t the case that Kyle Busch and RCR didn’t have a shot at winning races. However, they just couldn’t cross the finish line when it mattered the most; this is something Rowdy spoke about while reflecting on his disappointing 2024 season.
Races where Busch should’ve sealed the deal
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The first race that comes to our minds when we talk about chances where Busch could’ve emerged as a winner is the playoff race at Kansas Speedway. RCR certainly turned a corner for good after the Olympic break, and the #8 Chevy started finding some speed. The team brought their best car of the season to Kansas, and all Busch needed was to hang onto the lead. However, with 32 laps to go in the race, he tried to make an ambitious pass on Chase Briscoe, who was the last car on the lead lap. But it resulted in a tragedy.
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The #14 Ford didn’t give Busch the space he needed to make the pass and checked up while coming off the turn. The RCR driver was taken by surprise and slammed his race car into the wall. He could’ve won the crucial race at Daytona, but he didn’t have the support he wanted on the final restart, which saw Harrison Burton take the lead of the race and snatch a win from Kyle Busch.
Briscoe and Bush were once again at odds in the crucial race at Darlington Raceway, which served as the final regular season race. However, the #14 Ford was the class of the field, and Busch wasn’t successful in chasing his rival down. So you see, there were opportunities, but the driver and the team just weren’t able to capitalize on them.
“We probably had a handful of opportunities that slipped out from under us. So [I] can’t say we never had an opportunity to, but obviously didn’t get it done… Even having a shot to win late in the day; being close at Daytona, and maybe even closer at Kansas, and not being able to pull through,” Busch added.
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The good thing for Kyle Busch and the RCR team is that they can put the hatch on their 2024 season and prepare for their next season.

In a heated confrontation at the prestigious Snowball Derby, NASCAR driver Noah Gragson voiced his feelings over the aggressive driving of 18-year-old William Sawalich. This took place during a Thursday practice session at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola, Florida.
The Snowball Derby is famed for its history and the caliber of drivers it attracts, drawing both budding talents and seasoned NASCAR stars. Among them was the 26-year-old Gragson. Gragson, who emerged victoriously in the 2018 Snowball Derby, admitted his frustration over Sawalich’s apparent reckless tactics. In an interview with FloRacing, he said the following:

Team Money Racing, or TMT, is one of the new teams looking to make an impact through racing. The team started competing in the NASCAR Cup Series race in 2022, and Floyd Mayweather Jr. was one of the owners of the team. But, with Willy and Becky Auchmoody taking over the ownership of the team this year, they have now cut ties with the boxer and rebranded TMT as Amerivet.
And just like their name suggests, they are embarking on a mission to help the veteran through competing in NASCAR races.
Team Amerivet pledges to erase debt for 50 veterans per week in 2025
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Amerivet was only able to compete in two races during the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season. Ty Dillon took command of the #50 Chevy during the Coca-Cola 600 race in Charlotte. Whereas, Jeb Burton piloted the Amerivet race car in the championship race at Phoenix Raceway. But, before the last race of the season, the team had already pledged to help out 50 army veterans.
The team partnered with their sponsor, ForgiveCo, in relieving 50 army veterans of their debts ahead of the Phoenix race. Well, not only did they complete their mission, but they overachieved, as 100 veterans benefited from this initiative. The team took to social media to celebrate their small win apart from racing.
“Team AmeriVet erased $125,000 in veteran debt during the championship race in Phoenix! With incredible support from Luxedo, A.O. Smith, and our partners, 100 Phoenix-area veterans will receive life-changing debt relief just in time for the holidays.” Amrivet shared this via X. This is just the beginning of the big program, as they are looking to relieve $5,000,000 in veteran debt during the 2025 NASCAR season.
With the support of brands like Luxedo and A.O. Smith, Amerivet is looking to make a real impact in the lives of the veterans. “For our first endeavor to erase over $125,000 in debt for 100 veterans in the Phoenix area is pretty extraordinary. We can’t wait to see what we can accomplish during the 2025 NASCAR season!” Team owner, Becky Auchmoody, said in a press release.
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Becky Auchmoody opened up on the inspiration to support such a noble cause in a conversation with ‘Below the Yellow Line’ in October 2024, saying, “We have our hometown heroes, we have our police officers and our firefighters. But we wouldn’t be able to follow the dreams that we have if it wasn’t for the sacrifices of our veterans.” Amerivet will look to take their support to many more races for 2025 as this is just the start of their journey.
Amerivet is planning for an ambitious run next year in the NASCAR Cup Series
“Running anywhere from 15-17 races,” this was team owner Becky Auchmoody shedding light on the team’s plans for the 2025 season. Now, it is just hard to imagine a backmarker team running almost half a season’s worth of races on a part-time basis. Without the charter, they will have to compete as open teams, which means they will have to qualify to get a place in the field ahead of the races.
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Announcing a race doesn’t necessarily ensure that you are locked for 15-17 Cup Series races. The most important aspect of NASCAR racing is sponsors, and while they have the likes of ForgiveCo and AO Smith, they will need more funding. “In order to really get this program off the ground, we need to partner up with some sponsors and get to the track,” Becky explained from earlier in the season.
Even if they do somehow manage to get enough sponsors on board, they still have another issue to take care of, which is the driver. Ty Dillon, who piloted the car, has signed on for a full-time ride with Kaulig Racing next year, so they will need to find drivers to lead their race teams. So it will be interesting to see how the team manages to bind all the pieces together and how many races they will compete in 2025.

‘Malcolm in the Middle’ aired for the first time 24 years ago, and its chief star has an undiminished drive to live life to the fullest. Frankie Muniz, who played Malcolm in the iconic American sitcom, is rolling up his sleeves for a career other than acting. Despite dabbling in racing for years since 2006, his motorsport ambition received a kick in 2021. From 2025, he will finally compete as a full-time NASCAR driver.
Yet the hands of time never stop as Reaume Brothers Racing’s No. 33 Ford driver is now nearing the end of his 30s. 2024 Cup Series champion Joey Logano is 34 – usually, ages 38-40 represents a prime period. Mark Martin’s most productive age was 39 and Dale Jarrett’s was 40, winning his first cup series title at 43 years old in 1999. But despite his late entry, Frankie Muniz is happy to be older as fans pour in their wishes.
Frankie Muniz has no regrets in gathering years
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After all, the celebrity had a successful career on screen prior to this. ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ was a popular sitcom for seven seasons, and Frankie Muniz’s acting stint did not stop after that. For instance, he appeared in a series of TV shows in recent years, including Nora from Queens, New Amsterdam, and The Rookie. His racing interests kicked in back in 2006. He heavily engaged in open-wheel racing until 2009, when a crash left him with a broken back. Yet ‘Malcolm’ came back to the racetracks in 2021. He accrued one top-five finish and 11 top-10s in 20 starts in a full-time 2023 ARCA Menards season. Now in line to be a permanent fixture on the NASCAR grid, Muniz is happy to blow some candles.
Frankie Muniz turned 39 on 5th December and posted an emotional message on Instagram. Ford, his manufacturer for Reaume Brothers, presented a special gift. Muniz wrote, “Today is my Birthday. My final year in my 30’s. The big 39. One year closer to those senior citizen discounts. Also, I really love my birthday present @fordperformance . #MachE” Muniz’s ARCA results fetched him a 4th place finish on the standings and enough attention from the higher rungs. He made two starts this season in the Truck Series and both resulted in finishes outside the top-30.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Frankie Muniz (@frankiemuniz4)
However, Frankie Muniz is really glad to have his sights set on a blooming career ahead. He expanded on the uncertainty about his racing future recently in a Q&A with The Athletic in November. “It means so much more to me after this year. I was supposed to be full-time this year and that deal died like two weeks before Daytona (the season-opener) or whatever it was, and not knowing if I was going to be full-time again was hard… I was worried that maybe I wasn’t going to get back to full-time, and the fact that we’ve announced it now, three, four months in advance, allows us to really start just preparing.”
Besides cherishing his NASCAR opportunity, Muniz can also enjoy the birthday wishes that fans showered him with.
NASCAR community wishes ‘Malcolm’
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Making the best of both worlds is a rare feat. And Frankie Muniz is close to doing that – after a thumping success in Hollywood, now he is pumped for a remarkable stint in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. So the actor-turned-racer harnesses the highest respect from NASCAR fans. Somebody wished him on his birthday, hailing his achievements: “Happy birthday! You made me whole childhood with Malcom in the middle . I hope your last year of your 30s is amazing and full of opportunities ❤️” Somebody else also trumpeted Muniz’s evergreen milestones, which do not cease to come. “Happy birthday bud! Just means better n bigger things!! Keep up what you’re doing man. We all love ya.”
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Frankie Muniz’s youthful days were at a time when NASCAR legends roamed around. For instance, Mark Martin, Cale Yarborough, and Dale Earnhardt could be seen competing on tracks. So one fan counted themselves lucky for sharing that sweet time along with Muniz. “Happy Birthday fellow 80s baby. 🙌🏼 cheers brotha. May God bless you with many more to come.” Malcolm in the Middle aired first in 2000, so Muniz has been aging more and more since then. But a fan begged to differ with his ‘senior’ theory, claiming he still has youth in him. “You’ve got a long way to go till those discounts 😂 Happy birthday Frankie 🎂”
Muniz has a special connection with NASCAR. He drove the pace car for the 2001 Daytona 500, the infamous race that recorded one of the sport’s biggest tragedies with the passing of Dale Earnhardt Sr. Besides getting his M&M’s jacket signed by Mark Martin and Kenny Schrader, he also talked with Dale Earnhardt. Muniz reflected on this conversation, saying, “Yeah. I mean, it’s a weird thought to think that maybe minus his crew chief and family, I may have been one of the last people to talk to him.”
Muniz’s deep-rooted connection with the sport has fans always by his side and with his full-time seat confirmed, one fan rooted for Muniz’s racing ambitions, “Happy National Driver Frank Day 2024. Green Flag for next chapter. ❤️🙏🏼🥳🏎️”
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Clearly, there is no dearth of love for an aging Malcolm. As Frankie Muniz straps up for 2025, let us see how he dazzles us on the racetrack.

NASCAR is growing its wings. For 76 years, the stock car racing series has predominantly targeted a specific demographic: American males. However, the sport is turning over a new leaf with new ventures. One of those was releasing a documentary on the sport on Netflix, a streaming service giant catering to a global audience. And with the results looking encouraging, the sport’s executives are ready for the 2025 chapter.
‘NASCAR: Full Speed’ was released on 30th January, this year, right before the Busch Light Clash kicked off on February 2nd. The timing was perfect for fans, as they could briefly sum up 2023 in a nutshell. However, that timeline is not possible for 2025 – yet NASCAR President Steve Phelps is not bothered.
A diverse audience is occupying NASCAR
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Women have participated in NASCAR since its inception in 1949. Sara Christian was the first lady racer to don a helmet and drive a race car at the first race in Charlotte. However, the fair gender’s participation in the sport has been slim – in the modern era, only Danica Patrick made waves in the Cup Series. So getting hints at breaking that generational mainstay is certainly a positive hint for the sport’s higher-ups. They have already succeeded in diversifying the sports audience. This year’s Chicago Street Race saw 27,188 nonlocal attendees who came from 24 countries and 46 states.
So even though fans are unhappy, NASCAR is delighted with its Netflix project. Recently, NASCAR Studios and Words + Pictures announced its docuseries’ second season will debut in April, instead of January. This drew backlash from fans who said that would be too late for a 2024 recap. Steve Phelps made it clear his top priority was to attract more female audiences.
He claimed that the goal was reached in a recent interview with Racer. “The audience was significantly…the majority was female, which is obviously important. Most were not existing race fans that were watching it. I think it created race fans.”
On that positive improvement note, the production team formed Full Speed Entertainment. This will develop premium racing content, ranging from documentaries, series, and special events to studio shows, podcasts, and more. Phelps emphasized the objective for 2025, as he continued, “It created an opportunity for us to be in someone’s considerations based on channels that are normally looking at potential fans that just aren’t coming to our channels. So you have to meet those fans where they are. They’re on Netflix? Great, we’re going to meet them there. They’re on Amazon? Great, we’re going to meet them there… If they’re on YouTube or any other channel, we’re going to meet them there.”
Despite fans’ criticism of the release dates, officials put forward a legitimate reason for it.
Attracting new faces
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Last time, fans were treated to the drivers’ lives during the off-season. As the docuseries aired in January, people could watch see Denny Hamlin‘s house looks like and how Bubba Wallace trains himself with unhindered focus. In 2025, however, they will need to divide their attention between an ongoing Cup Series season and also a rehash of 2024. That is what ticked off most fans, as tight races at Darlington, Bristol, and Talladega will be flagged off at the same time. Tim Mullen and Jackie Decker, executive producers on ‘NASCAR: Full Speed‘, tried to explain.
“Last season we had some great, great characters, and some great storyline came from that, and it’s the same again this year, which is in March or April of next year,” Decker explained. “Yeah, the Netflix schedule is a little bit thicker this time in February, so the next iteration of the show, season two, will drop in April,” Mullen followed up.
The spring date could actually work in the sport’s favor.
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The Clash, Daytona 500, and usually the first three or four races of the year, see an uptick in viewership. By the time April rolls around, that interest dies out a bit. It’s right when NCAA March Madness ends and NASCAR might gain popularity in an otherwise slow period in professional sports. Fans will be fully engaged with the races, but new viewers will undoubtedly be drawn to the captivating docuseries coming in April.
So in spite of the speculation and misgivings among fans, NASCAR’s Netflix project is working. As the production gets underway, let us wait for another thrilling binge-watch next year.

‘Rookie of the Year’ Tony Stewart has an odd ring to it, doesn’t it? A driver with over 27 years of racing experience winning a title meant for newcomers in a sport is strange. With his wife Leah Pruett out of the NHRA seat to focus on motherhood, Smoke took to the sport like a champ, winning the ROTY title along the way, an accolade he feels conflicted about.
Having won the Rookie of the Year tag, Smoke explained how his position in the motorsports world may have influenced the decision, taking the ROTY award away from worthy candidates.
Stewart turns skeptical of ROTY tag
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Stewart has been able to deliver justice even after being a first-timer in this domain of racing. Although Stewart finished in the 9th position for the final standing. His remarkable debut season and achievement have sparked both admiration and debate He reached the semifinals in five events and advanced to two finals, finishing with a 17-20 record in elimination rounds. Before he lost to Doug Kalita, he made an impressive run till the semi-finals. He was able to mark his career best of 3.688 seconds at 334.73 mph at Pomona itself.
Speaking to Joe Castello from Racer.com, Stewart said, “I will say, if it was off performance, Richard Gadson would have definitely had this hands down. He did an amazing job in pro stock motorcycle this year. Daniel Wilkerson did an amazing job in the funny car. There were a lot of great rookies in all four classes this year. But the criteria is different what they consider Rookie of the Year and why they do it.” The deciding criteria for this achievement span across all divisions and are not restricted to performance only.
Although Stewart was quite a deserving candidate for the Rookie of the Year award, the competition was tough, with leading candidates like Brandon Foster, Sienna Wildgust, and Derrick Reese from the Pro Stock Racing class. Pro Stock Motorcycle rider Richard Gadson, Top Fuel competitor Jasmine Salinas, Funny Car driver Daniel Wilkerson, and Top Fuel racer Ida Zetterstrom were among the other names that had a high probability of making it to the Rookie of the Award. Gadson’s debut full-time NHRA season saw him lift the Mission #2Fast2Tasty NHRA Challenge title. That’s not all. In four of his first six races, he managed to reach the semi-finals or better. Similarly, for the other popular candidate, Daniel Wilkerson, the biggest highlight of the season came at the Charlotte four-wide event, where we reached the final round.
via Imago LAS VEGAS, NV – OCTOBER 29: Tony Stewart 314 TA Mobil 1 McPhillips Racing Top Alcohol Dragster does a burnout before the first round of eliminations during the Motorsport, Herren, USA, Dragster Drag Race Nevada Nationals Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, NV. Marc Sanchez/Icon Sportswire AUTO: OCT 29 NHRA Nevada Nationals Icon1442210291439
Additionally, fan votes also play quite an important role in this case. Stewart is a classic favorite driver, one who has 3 Cup Series titles in the bag. His appearance across diverse media platforms has added to the popularity of the race more than ever. Stewart recently appeared on the Pat Macfee podcast and shared how NASCAR and drag racing are different. This had added further popularity in mainstream media about the sport. The NHRA Rookie of the Year is a prestigious honor and is usually determined by a panel of auto racing journalists. The evaluation considers standout performances and contributions to the sport as two of the most important domains for decision-making.
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Not to forget, there was an incredible amount of work that went into getting Stewart into the seat in the first place. Replacing his pregnant wife Leah Pruett, Tony Stewart brought a new challenge for his NHRA team. He was 60 pounds heavier than his wife. It meant his crew chiefs had to work around the car to ensure things worked smoothly. Managing a semi-final run in these conditions was an impressive feat, especially for a driver making his debut in the sport.
2024 becomes a big year for Tony Stewart
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It is not only his appearance in the NHRA domain of racing that has added a valor of sweet surprises to his life. Right during his travel to Pomona, Stewart had to head back to Phoenix so that he could witness the welcome of his little man – Dominic Stewart. Tony Stewart became a dad at the age of 52 with his wife Leah Purett. Since then, fatherhood has been one of the most important roles that he had to undertake.
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Stewart is ecstatic about this new addition to his family. Reacting to the birth of his baby boy, he said, “I am a big believer that things happen for a reason and opportunities come at the right times”. This is also the reason why his wife Leah had marked her absence from the NHRA 2024 season and Tony Stewart had taken up her shoes. Given that they have just welcomed the little one, Stewart will be seen behind the steering for the upcoming season as well. As he explained a few days ago, Pruett wants to focus on motherhood and it means stepping away from racing a little while longer.
Embracing both fatherhood and his thriving NHRA career, Stewart is navigating this new chapter of life with unwavering passion and joy. As he continues to excel on the track and at home, 2024 truly marks a milestone year for the racing legend.

Money and superstar status alone don’t ensure profitability and success for a team on the racetrack. This is something Tony Stewart experienced with his NASCAR team, Stewart Haas Racing. The team that once was touted as the powerhouse team became a shadow of its former self, especially in the Next Gen era.
NASCAR racing isn’t exactly going through the best phase with teams fighting tooth and nail to secure sponsorship. As far as the charter system is concerned, it has yet to prove its reliability in helping the owners run their race teams with proper backing and financial aid. This was one of the major reasons why Tony Stewart left NASCAR, as he wasn’t sold on the new charter agreement. He even aimed digs at NASCAR, stating that “The charter agreements are a joke,” but it seems like he ran into similar troubles with his NHRA Top Fuel team.
Aligning the similarities between the two racing series, Stewart, speaking at Race Industry Week, opined, “Not everybody is a Conrad Kalitta and has an air service. You know the Torrence family has Capco. They do great business in Texas. But for me, I’m a professional race car driver that retired from NASCAR, right? I don’t have that income coming in. So anything I’m spending out of my pocket is literally coming out of retirement that I have to live with the rest of my life.”
Interestingly, Smoke brought up the suggestion for NHRA to expand just like NASCAR did with its new TV deal. “Obviously we got a great TV partner with FOX right now, but just like NASCAR went through negotiations for TV contracts, it’s coming up next year. I think mid-season is when NHRA starts their negotiations. So the TV packages are really crucial for motorsports.”
This is a developing story.

What is the point of reaching a racetrack and cheering for your favorite team when you cannot post live photos and videos from the track itself? Fans drive the adrenaline for any NASCAR race and enhancing their experience to keep up with the times is extremely important. The year 2025 holds great expectations from NASCAR as the plans of a $50 million investment for fan experience make rounds in the media. Given how connectivity has always been a recurrent issue at the tracks, this is a much-needed proactive measure.
Recently, NASCAR president Steve Phelps broke down in detail about how NASCAR has envisioned a proactive million-dollar plan to provide the ultimate experience for fans. With announcements of Prime Video covering five races including the Coca-Cola 600 and more visibility for all NASCAR tiers across various channels, this instills a fresh ray of hope.
NASCAR to focus on more connectivity in race tracks for 2025
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Connectivity issues at the race track have been a recurrent issue for a long time. While it might not have been a major problem a decade ago, it deters younger generations from getting into the sport and attending races. The current $50 million plan covers 12 tracks across which technology will be integrated. Consequently, fans at the track will be able to share live updates with the outside world and stay connected as they enjoy the race. The fundamental problem here is NASCAR is forced to create a massive plan for an event that may take place only once or twice a year. Unlike matches that take place in a stadium, NASCAR events tend to be much larger, almost as if it’s a concert or a golf tour.
Highlighting NASCAR’s plan, President Steve Phelps said, “Whether it’s phone calls or its text or whatever it might be, the ability to send video across your device to family and friends whether it’s social media or otherwise, it’s an important thing for us. But it’s expensive. We have spent $50 million at our 12 racetracks to print it in permanent fiber. So there would be strong connectivity.”
While these plans are indeed a step forward, it’s a late move considering how other sports in America adapted it long before NASCAR did. Take the New England Patriots’ stadium for example. They were one of the first NFL teams to bring Wi-Fi to the stadiums and other teams followed suit soon after. They recognized issues fans faced when making a simple call or a search on Google.
Coming back to the deal NASCAR made, they partnered with Verizon and integrated Wi-Fi into 12 tracks. This enabled fans to make payments at food stands, watch real-time data of the race, and simply view the race on their phones or a bunch of other things. Now, the trouble for NASCAR is implementing this on all tracks on the calendar. With over 20 Cup Series tracks on the calendar, NASCAR may have to scale up its plans quickly to keep fans happy and visiting races. After all, if fans don’t come to tracks to watch races, it puts a massive dent in the overall earnings.
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This deal alone could also be highly fruitful as it can improve the visibility among the audience and make it easier for one to stream. With enhanced track connectivity and a groundbreaking media deal, NASCAR is poised to revolutionize the fan experience both on-site and online. These efforts aim to secure the sport’s relevance and appeal to a broader, tech-savvy audience.
Has the Dallas Cowboys’ owner driven the inspiration for NASCAR’s improved fan experience deal?
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While shifting to this plan for improving fan experience seemed to be long coming, the motivation for Steve Phelps has been the owner of Dallas Cowboys, Jerry Jones. The innovative approach that Jones has implemented has been quite the talk of the town and served as a testimony for NASCAR to work on experiences. Jones’ tour around The Star practice facility, as well as AT&T Stadium, has been a roaring hit indeed. This has led to the sale of more than half a million tickets. The sale has led to a revenue generation of $10 million!
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Speaking of the same, Steve Phelps said, “You know, kind of keeping up with the Joneses and whether that’s the Jerry Joneses or other Joneses, that race day experience is important and continuing to invest in fan experiences. You look at each of our facilities. Our facilities are hard-wired with high-speed opportunities for internet because the other opportunities to take robust things that happen in the racetrack and make sure that they are able to, race fans are able to those out in the world. Because if you don’t have connectivity at a racetrack, you are missing something right.” The way Joneses often interact with the fans to understand their grievances and implement the right measures has further led to the improvement of the fan experience and consequent footfall.
Jerry Jones’ innovative strategies have set a benchmark for enhancing fan engagement, inspiring industries like NASCAR to follow suit. By prioritizing fan-centric investments, NASCAR aims to replicate similar success in improving experiences and driving attendance. This collaborative vision underscores the importance of evolving with audience expectations to sustain long-term growth.

NASCAR is not devoid of horrendous crashes, and it has cost drivers more than just race positions since time immemorial. One such episode that shook the entire racing community right from its center is Terry Labonte’s crash at the Riverside track. Known for his calm demeanor and strategic racing, Labonte was a two-time Cup Series champion, with his career showcasing over 20 wins and a reputation as one of the most iconic drivers of the 80s and 90s. However, the way he carved his way through this aggressive accident is nothing short of a testimony to his fighting spirit.
This incident, now largely forgotten, marked a turning point in his career, reinforcing the notion that Labonte’s courage and willpower defined him as a true legend of the sport. While Labonte could have ended his career having achieved quite a bit of wealth during his days, he chose to combat the same with efficacy.
A tale of tragedy at the Riverside Park that forced facial changes for Terry Labonte
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From 1979 to 2000 saw Terry Labonte in his most glorious form. It seemed as though his car was a Rocketship on the tracks, and he was meant to be at the top of the leaderboard for every race he participated in. He had competed in every points-winning race during this tenure and there were two unique reasons why it contributed to an iconic history. In the first space, he would be the 4th position holder for the number of starts had he not missed two races for his inner ear injury that got so worse that he had to be medically treated.
However, it is the second incident that almost derailed his life in 1982 and made him a ‘fighter’ in its truest sense. This happened while the NASCAR driver was at Riverside Park, steering through the final race for the season. Earlier the same year, the track had garnered quite some attention after it almost ended claiming Indy car driver Dick Simon’s life. However, Simon had walked away from the accident without much damage quite in a miraculous manner.
Later during this race, Labonte who was driving the No.44 car for Hagan Racing, suddenly found himself going out of control. It seemed as though his steering was stuck and no matter what he tried, he simply could not steer through. The No.44 car driver crashed into a wall just at the Turn nine. Labonte had shared exactly how he felt in the moments after the accident while speaking to the media. He said, “The car just wouldn’t turn. Something was making it go to the left. I had time to say to myself, ‘I’m going to hit that wall,’ and time to shut my eyes. I came to when they were carrying me out of the car”.
via Getty INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – JULY 20: Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #84 Carvana Toyota, enters his car during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on July 20, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Labonte ended up with major injuries – a broken leg and ankle. This was not all! He even developed multiple lacerations on his face that made it obligatory for him to get cosmetic surgery at the earliest.
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He ended up spending 8 long days in the hospital and some major surgeries that could even make him give up his NASCAR career, in case his wife Kim suggested so. However, with the kind of background he shares where he already had won 300 races altogether even before he got his driver’s license, this seemed to be a tough ordeal.
Labonte ordered a sweet comeback over a hasty retirement
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While most drivers would have gotten disheartened by the kind of consequences, the accident at Riverside Park brought in, Labonte was certainly not one of them. Instead, he ensured that he took the off-season to rest well and come back stronger for his next season run. The 1983 season saw Labonte on his feet, hitting the tracks once again, and in less than two years, he made it to the NASCAR Cup Series title with complete valor.
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Not only that, Labonte even made a comeback to the same track where he had met with the uneventful accident. Right in the year 1984, he came back again to the track and this time proved himself to be the ultimate tiger that he is. He led the most laps and even marked victory at the track where once he had to be rescued by medical professionals. This was also the time when his team received a massive sponsorship from Piedmont Airlines that had further added autonomy to his prowess on tracks.
Terry Labonte’s encounter at Riverside Park is a testament to his resilience and unyielding determination. From the devastating crash that nearly ended his career to the triumphant return that solidified his legacy, Labonte’s journey embodies the true spirit of a champion. His unwavering resolve and victorious comeback not only enhanced his reputation but also inspired generations of racers to push through adversity and come out stronger.

Popularity Awards in NASCAR is one of the most debated topics. Like every year, it was Hendrick Motorsports star driver, Chase Elliott, who took home the crown for the seventh straight year. This award is presented by the National Motorsports Press Association, and the winner is determined by a fan vote. It’s fair to say that Elliott has maintained his position as a driver who enjoys massive support year on year. But is he the most popular driver in NASCAR right now?
Well, if you ask the non-Hendrick Motorsports fans, you’ll have a long list of arguments and why they think Elliott isn’t the most popular driver. And this argument has further gained strength with the reveal of the 10 best drivers in NASCAR and their following on social media. Interestingly, it was Kyle Busch who came out on top with the most followers across the three social media platforms, Facebook, X, and Instagram. Meanwhile, Elliott was placed second on this list, just behind Rowdy.
“Who is the most popular NASCAR Cup Series driver on social media? (Hint: It’s not
@chaseelliott).” Kyle Dalton, the host of the Beating and Banging podcast, shared this list on X. Kyle Busch led the charts with over 2 million followers across the three platforms, with X accounting for almost a million followers for the RCR star driver.
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Elliott fell shy by some 93,000 followers. Rounding out the top five places were big-name drivers such as Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, and Brad Keselowski. Comparing awards to social media following certainly opened a discussion among NASCAR fans. It was indeed shocking to see Busch out of all leading the charts; meanwhile, a few HMS fans weren’t convinced by the slight margin and rallied behind Elliott.
NASCAR fans split over the social media popularity of NASCAR drivers
It is not an apples-to-apples comparison when you take into account both Elliott and Rowdy’s racing careers. Of course, the RCR driver is more established with more races and accomplishments under his belt. Not to forget, for the most part, he was perceived as a villain by the fans and was often greeted with boos after his race wins. Surely, he takes the cake if we have a personality comparison between the two drivers. Sharing a similar sentiment, a fan wrote, “Kyle Busch is known more worldwide, apart from him being at NASCAR for longer and his personality helps, everybody is a Kyle Busch fan🤭”
The subtle jabs aimed at Elliott didn’t stop there. Another fan made an interesting argument that Denny Hamlin has a better connection with younger audiences than his rival. Moreover, Bill Elliott’s influence and the family legacy are also the reasons behind Chase Elliott enjoying a massive fan following. “Can tell denny is more popular with younger people and HMS is more popular with old people based on the Twitter vs Facebook numbers lol.”
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Well, there were a few Elliott loyalists who weren’t sold on the idea of Busch outscoring their favorite NASCAR star. After all, the margin between the two drivers in terms of followers was only a few thousand. “Both joined Twitter in 2009. Busch was racing full-time in the Cup series at that point. Chase didn’t make his debut until 2015. I’m sure Kyle accumulated far more followers over that six year span.”
Surprisingly, JGR’s newest recruit, Chase Briscoe, also chimed in with a witty response on Reddit. Although the three big social media platforms were taken to know the statistical strength of each driver and their fan following, Reddit wasn’t part of this conversation. And this was rightly pointed out by Briscoe, “What about Reddit Karma though?”
The Busch brothers, Kurt and Kyle, were perceived as brash and were often at odds with the race fans. However, this sentiment changed as Kurt was nearing his final days as a racer in NASCAR. And something similar has unfolded ever since Kyle Busch made the switch from JGR to RCR. “Kyle Busch’s late career popularity surge is so reminiscent of Kurts. At least for me, I feel like at the exact same moments in their lives/careers they went from being the “heels” in my eyes to the faces.”
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Be it awards or social media presence, it is indeed tough to say for certain which NASCAR driver is the most popular. But who do you think deserves the title of the most popular driver in NASCAR? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

With the off-season going on in full swing, NASCAR fans and the community have nothing to do but bide time until they reach February. Meantime, the social media team is trying to keep them entertained with tales from the past along with the storyline that emerged at the NASCAR Awards in Charlotte. However, no one expected a crossover between them and hip-hop sensation Kendrick Lamar.
The 17-time Grammy Award winner recently announced an update about his tour via social media. “grand national tour @cashapp visa card presale tomorrow at 10am.” The timing of this tour is interesting, to say the least as he dropped his new studio album named GNX. Interestingly, the “Grand National Tour” is what the NASCAR Cup Series competition was called between 1950 and 1970. From there onwards, the premier stock car series started attracting title sponsors like Winston, Nextel, and Monster.
NASCAR was quick to draw the connection and let him know that they were the original title holders of his tour’s name. “Sorry, @kendricklamar, but we’re the original Grand National Tour. 😏” Well, a lot of young audiences are fans of K Dot, and they were surprised to see NASCAR trying to become relevant in the popular culture.
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View this post on Instagram A post shared by NASCAR (@nascar)
“Kendrick Motorsports.”
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“@nascar don’t do it. Don’t start beef with Kendrick. Do not go down this road.”
“A lot of us younger folks listen to k dot.”
“Fabulous Hudson Hornet 🍷.”
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“Yes but was there a car with the color of MUSTAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARD?”
This is a developing story.

Winter might be coming, but two athletes have been raising the heat with their brand-new romance lately. Who are we talking about? LSU’s swimming recruit, Lauren Bernardo, and NASCAR prodigy, Connor Zilisch. The newest Tiger made a splash back home in North Carolina with a stacked resume during her time at the Charlotte Catholic High School. However, her beau isn’t far behind. How has he impressed the masses?
The 18-year-old made waves with his incredible debut in the NASCAR Truck Series. Zilisch secured the pole position at the Circuit of The Americas and mustered up a fourth-place finish. While many would chalk it up to beginner’s luck, it was much more than that. In fact, his remarkable talent grabbed JR Motorsports’ attention. The driver will join the team owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr. for the Xfinity Series. However, fans’ excitement reached an all-time high for what’s taking place beyond the track.
Inside the relationship of LSU’s swimming star Lauren Bernardo and NASCAR’s Connor Zilisch
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What happens when you pair NASCAR’s promising prospect with an LSU swimming star? You get a potential power couple. Or that’s what many hoped for when Lauren Bernardo posted a series of celebratory images from their Thanksgiving together on Instagram. One of the many images showcased the swimmer holding onto Zilisch on a couch. She paired the images with a heartwarming caption, “Thankful for my peeps.”
Both North Carolina natives seemed to have an incredible time with their friends. However, 2025 would put them in a long-distance situation due to their busy schedules. The 18-year-old Charlotte Catholic high school senior committed to Baton Rouge and is set to be a freshman at LSU by pursuing a degree in construction management.
As for Connor Zilisch? The 18-year-old set expectations at an all-time high after his first Xfinity Series race at Watkins Glen. He will be racing full-time for JR Motorsports next year. He even received a glowing endorsement from NASCAR veteran Danny Hamlin, who believes that the driver will continue to turn heads in his career. The young duo is set for greater things in the future, and fans can’t wait to see what they have up their sleeves. However, what exactly do we know about LSU’s newest addition? Without further ado…
Meet LSU’s newest swimming star, Lauren Bernardo
The backstroke and IM specialist lived most of her life in North Carolina along with her sister CJ and parents, Ken and Tracy Bernardo. She attended Charlotte Catholic High School in her hometown and earned a spot on the state team. What was the swimmer’s time there like? Lauren Bernardo and Co. won the state championship during her freshman year. She even attended Summer Juniors two years in a row and competed in her first U.S. Open.
The swimmer gave her commitment to LSU last year: “I’m extremely excited to announce my verbal commitment to continue my athletic and academic careers at Louisiana State University. I would like to thank my family and friends for their unwavering support and all of my coaches throughout my swim career for believing in me and helping me achieve swimming D1 a reality! GEAUX, TIGERS 🐅💜💛” However, what was her time like before she joined the Tigers?
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While at Charlotte Catholic High School, Lauren Bernardo trained with SwimMAC Carolina and earned the 2022 Southwestern 4A Conference Champion in the 100 back with 59.39 seconds on the clock. But that’s not all. In the 100 fly, she placed 6th with 1:02.44. During the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) in early February, she placed 6th in the 100 back with 56.95 seconds on the clock. But she wasn’t looking to slow down.
In the summer long course season, the swimmer competed in the Summer National Championships in Irvine, California. So, how did she do in the pool? Her time of 2:19.70 was the highest in the 200m back. In fact, at the 2022 Winter Junior Championships in Greensboro, she placed 34th with a lifetime best time of 2:02.64 in the 200 IM and 4:27.02 in the 400 IM. So, why did she make the switch to LSU, you ask? She confirmed that they are a big SEC school that would help her achieve her swim goals. Now, we only hope that the couple achieves all of their goals together for years to come!

Whether you love him or hate him, Denny Hamlin certainly knows how to keep the race fans entertained. While most of the drivers have either signed up for dirt racing or late models, Hamlin is keeping himself busy by being a part of the popular culture. You might have seen your Instagram feed flooded with 2024 Spotify Wrapped stories, and it looks like the JGR driver is having a lot of fun with this.
Rather than sharing the stock images and data from the app, Denny Hamlin opted to do things a little differently. Not only that, this ingenious yet creative idea also promoted his on-track rival Chase Elliott’s response on social media.
Denny Hamlin knows how to catch fan’s attention
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If you share the highlights from the Spotify app to your Instagram, you will be able to see your Top Songs and artists you’ve listened to the most throughout the year. Well, Hamlin also shared something similar with his own touch of sarcasm and a dig at rival fans. He even made fun of his shortcomings for the 2024 Cup Series season. The first one – My Top Song Category—and his pick was “Boo,” referring to the jeers by the fans from his race win or driver’s entry during the races.
He used this template again and aimed a subtle jab at Hendrick Motorsports fans. My Top Song—“ZeRO “ZeRO cHaMPionSHiPs” the artist credit was here given to HMS fans. The third and final one was perhaps a pat on his back as he celebrated his podcast, Actions Detrimental. He shared these visuals with the caption, “I heard it all #SpotifyWrapped🎵.”
Well, surprisingly, Chase Elliott also sprung into action and made a rare appearance on X thanks to Hamlin’s ingenious post about Spotify Wrapped. Making a cheeky comment and batting out for all the HMS fans, Elliott replied, “Hats for sale btw” and shared a link for his online store. The HMS star certainly knows how to market his brand, and he knew for a fact that Hamlin’s social media post would gain a lot of traction and eyeballs. So you see his response was a well-thought-out marketing masterstroke.
Interestingly, this move by Denny Hamlin is indeed bold given his situation and legal troubles in going against NASCAR. Speaking of the lawsuit, the sanctioning body has responded to 23XI Racing’s refiling of the injunction plea. And going by their statement, things are not looking good for Hamlin and his race team.
NASCAR is not willing to hand over the SHR charters to the teams
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As expected, NASCAR opted to dismiss the lawsuit from 23XI Racing and FRM after the two teams refiled the preliminary injunction request. There was a lot to look at from the responses filled by NASCAR, but one thing that stood out was they have clearly stated that they won’t allow the transfer of SHR charters.
In the filings, NASCAR stated that 23XI Racing and Front Row, “purchased these charters fully aware that they contained a release provision, which needed to be accepted for any requested transfer to be considered.” NASCAR says they cannot approve the transfer of these charters because the two teams declined to sign the charter deal in the first place and instead filed an antitrust case against them. An injunction is the only last resort for the teams to reclaim their chartered team status, or they will have to enter the 2025 season as open teams.
Knowing well aware of the risks of losing their charters, 23XI still went ahead and announced the signing of Riley Herbst. Meanwhile, Zane Smith is reported to take command of FRM’s third entry for next season. NASCAR had initially stated that they were going to prepare for the 2025 season with 32 charters, but the two SHR charters are now in a state of limbo; they will have to cut that number down to 30. Meanwhile, the teams will be hoping that they are granted an injunction to continue racing next year as chartered organizations.
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Time is of the essence for 23XI Racing and FRM, and so far there’s no confirmation on when the next court hearing for the injunction motion will take place.

“I suspect he’s not going to be able to resist a little bit of NASCAR.” An F1 commentator said these words about Daniel Ricciardo, the 8-time Grand Prix winner who Red Bull showed the exit for in 2025. The stellar open-wheel racer had no dearth of offers, though. Ricciardo’s interests range from wheeling stock cars around oval circuits to maneuvering motorbikes for MotoGP. However, the former possibility may have turned into a reality, with new developments in NASCAR.
Project91 was Justin Marks’ way of wooing international speedsters to NASCAR. The venture achieved a different level of success after Shane van Gisbergen stunned NASCAR fans by clinching his debut Cup race victory in Chicago. Now, Marks has dropped hints about roping in more stars – and fans are rooting for Ricciardo.
American gates opening for Daniel Ricciardo
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Trackhouse Racing introduced Project91 back in 2022. Its idea was fascinating, as Justin Marks embarked upon forging bountiful relationships with internationally renowned drivers. First, F1 champion Kimi Raikkonen forayed into Cup Series racing at Watkins Glen. But the appearance of a 3-time Supercars champion on the grid uplifted the scenario greatly. Shane van Gisbergen oozed gold since his Chicago win, and during his 2024 full-time NASCAR Xfinity season, he picked up three road-course victories. Now he is on his way to a successful full-time Cup Series ride with Trackhouse teammates Daniel Suarez and Ross Chastain.
This thumping success inspired Justin Marks to take Project91 a notch upward, which should be music for Daniel Ricciardo’s ears. During the Race Industry Week session, he tipped his hat to the achievements so far: “We did this deal and turned it from an amazing one-off or two-off, great little program in Project91 and turning into a real thing in the sport… I think that’s really fun and one that’s resonated with a lot of people.” Marks added on future global driver prospects: “I get phone calls all the time from some of the greatest drivers around the world about coming and doing it. That’s really exciting for us.”
After a successful 2024, Marks dropped his verdict: “Project91 is certainly not dead. I would expect to see that on the race track sooner rather than later. What I love about it is… it’s like our first Project91 graduate.” This declaration just added an edge of reality to Daniel Ricciardo‘s dream “to drive around Daytona.”
Marks continued that the only reason Project91 was off the charts in 2024 was staying busy with SVG’s career. But now that his full-time Cup ride is confirmed with Trackhouse, Ricciardo’s wish may set in motion. “But now as we’re kind of just focused again on our three cars next year full time, then Project91 can come back. I would expect to see it sooner rather than later.”
While Marks may not be revealing anything concrete, F1 commentator Alex Jacques, speaking on the Formula for Success podcast, gave his view on Ricciardo’s NASCAR dream, saying, “He’s a massive NASCAR fan. He really does appreciate it and loves that.” He also noted that Ricciardo is more likely to compete on road courses if he does make the switch, adding, “I think Daniel Ricciardo turning up… I’m not sure he’s going to do the ovals, but like, they race at Watkins Glen, they race on the streets of Chicago.” Ricciardo’s intentions seem set and fans are excited about this prospect, however, the lack of confirmation does act as a buzz-kill.
Fans are not satisfied, as they want to hear something definite from Marks.
NASCAR fans root for F1 star’s entry
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After all, Daniel Ricciardo has made no secret of his love for NASCAR. The Grand Prix expert previously drove Dale Earnhardt Sr.‘s 1984 Monte Carlo Chevrolet at the US GP in 2021. He grew up idolizing The Intimidator and has drawn appreciation from Dale Jr. for holding the latter’s family in high regard. Now, which NASCAR fan would not be convinced by a 15-time Most Popular Driver’s opinion? Fans are manifesting Ricciardo’s NASCAR entry soon. “Personally, I think we will see Ricciardo in a Cup car at some point in 2025,” somebody wrote. Another fan slipped in their own take, reasoning Ricciardo’s age should not be a factor. “I hope so. 35 isn’t old by NASCAR standards at all. He has plenty of time to learn oval racing and compete for wins.”
People are also getting impatient with Marks’s hollow promises. The Perth native lost a 13-year-old F1 seat in Redbull soon after the Singapore GP. Although the Austrian outfit said it would want Daniel Ricciardo as its ambassador, fans would like to see him race. So the NASCAR community chided Marks for not making a clear decision. “Or it may not. It could return next year. It could never return. Thanks for telling us nothing, Justin,” a fan wrote. Marks’ words resonated with NASCAR’s executives when the latter did not raise horsepower just to attract a 4th OEM. So somebody else wrote, “Hey, That’s the same thing NASCAR says when someone asks if a 4th manufacturer is joining!”
However, what awaits in NASCAR for Daniel Ricciardo is more than exciting. Project91’s previous endeavor turned to gold. Within less than two years of debuting and winning a Cup race, SVG is already gearing up for a full-time ride. So Marks’ positive remarks about reviving his venture would be a good update for Ricciardo. One fan wrote as much: “By God that’s Daniel Ricciardo’s music.”
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Evidently, a NASCAR-F1 crossover is again on the cards. With Ricciardo’s presence becoming a stark possibility, we cannot wait for 2025 to roll into view.