Motorsports

2025 Indianapolis 500: Kyle Larson looks to become latest NASCAR star to do Indy-Charlotte Double

Published

8 months ago

May 24, 2025

For more than a century, the greatest race car drivers in the world have gathered at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to compete in its premier race, the Indianapolis 500. This coming Sunday, 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson will make his second start in The Greatest Spectacle in Racing while pursuing one of racing’s most arduous undertakings in the process.

Larson will try once again to become the fifth driver in history to race in both the Indy 500 and NASCAR’s Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in the same day — known as The Double — as he looks to complete all 1,100 miles on arguably the single biggest day in U.S. motorsports.

One year ago, a rain delay at Indianapolis thrust Larson’s attempt at The Double into chaos as he was forced to choose between committing to the Indy 500 and fulfilling his NASCAR obligations. Larson chose to stay at Indy, finishing 18th after starting fifth, and then flew to Charlotte in an attempt to at least get in his car mid-race and run the remaining laps of the 600 after reserve driver Justin Allgaier started Larson’s car in his place. But another rain storm stopped the 600 at lap 249, preventing Larson from ever making a single lap in his Cup car and ruining his first try at The Double.

Should the weather cooperate this year, Larson will start the Indianapolis 500 from the 19th spot, and his presence in the field continues a long tradition of NASCAR crossovers in IndyCar’s feature event dating back to the 1960s. Cale Yarborough, Bobby Johns, Lee Roy Yarbrough, and Bobby and Donnie Allison were just a few of the NASCAR greats to race in the Indy 500, and the Wood Brothers also made their mark on Indianapolis with their famous pit crew. But starting in the 1990s, when lights were installed at Charlotte Motor Speedway and the Coca-Cola 600 was moved to evening time, it became possible for drivers to compete in both the Indy 500 and NASCAR’s longest race on the very same day.

Ahead of Kyle Larson’s second try at The Double, here is a complete overview of the history of the Indy-Charlotte Double, with each driver to have attempted and completed the feat.

1994 — John Andretti

After making his Indy 500 debut in 1988 and racing full-time in CART from 1990 to 1992, John Andretti — the nephew of Mario Andretti — made the switch from open-wheel cars to stock car racing in 1994, joining car owner Billy Hagan’s team to run the full season in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series. But given his and his family’s ties to Indianapolis, Andretti still desired to race in the Indy 500. And with that, Andretti would become the first driver to ever compete at both Indianapolis and Charlotte on the same day, developing a travel itinerary to make it happen.

Andretti qualified 10th for the Indianapolis 500 driving an A.J. Foyt-owned Lola, and he also qualified in the top 10 for the Coca-Cola 600 in ninth. After finishing 10th in the 500, Andretti flew to Charlotte in time for the start of the 600, but only completed 220 of 400 laps before suffering a crankshaft failure and finishing 36th.

Andretti would also compete in the inaugural Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis later that year, becoming the first driver to ever run both the Indy 500 and Brickyard 400 in the same year.

1995 — Davy Jones

Following Andretti, IndyCar veteran Davy Jones intended to do the Indy-Charlotte Double in 1995, driving for Dick Simon at Indianapolis and Jasper Motorsports in NASCAR. However, Jones’ plans were foiled when he failed to qualify for the Coke 600, leaving him to settle for only running the Indy 500 and finishing 23rd.

1997 — Robby Gordon

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After going to NASCAR full-time in 1997 with Team SABCO, Robby Gordon’s initial plans of doing a pure Indy-Charlotte Double would also be foiled, but that was due to the effects of Mother Nature. Rain forced the Indianapolis 500 to be postponed to Monday, leaving Gordon to fly to Charlotte and run only the Coca-Cola 600 on Sunday, completing 186 laps before crashing and finishing 41st.

Gordon started 12th at Indianapolis on Monday in a car owned by Felix Sabates — also his car owner in NASCAR — making 15 laps before more rain pushed the rest of the race to Tuesday. Gordon only made it four more laps before his car caught fire, leaving him with a 29th-place finish.

1999 — Tony Stewart

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Tony Stewart made the switch from open-wheel to NASCAR after winning the Indy Racing League championship in 1997, first running the NASCAR Busch Series alongside the IRL in 1998 before heading to the Cup Series in 1999 with Joe Gibbs Racing. He would wind up doing the Indy-Charlotte Double for the first time in his rookie season, qualifying 24th and finishing ninth at Indianapolis for Tri-Star Motorsports before heading to Charlotte for the 600. Stewart wound up leading 13 laps in the 600 and finishing fourth.

2000 — Robby Gordon

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Robby Gordon tried the Indy-Charlotte Double again in 2000 for car owner John Menard, but inclement weather would again wind up altering his plans. Gordon qualified fourth at Indianapolis driving for John Menard and 42nd at Charlotte, but rain delayed the start of the Indy 500 by several hours and prevented Gordon from starting his car in the Coke 600. Backup driver P.J. Jones started Gordon’s car at Charlotte while he finished sixth and Indianapolis, and he then took over for Jones midway through the Coke 600 and finished 35th.

Despite running his Cup car at the finish of the Coke 600, Gordon did not go into the record books as having run both Indy and Charlotte on the same day. Per NASCAR rules, P.J. Jones was credited as the driver of the No. 13 Ford and received championship points by virtue of having started the car.

2001 — Tony Stewart

Stewart would pull double duty again in 2001, and he would proceed to go a distance that go racer had ever gone before. Driving for Chip Ganassi at Indianapolis, Stewart would qualify seventh and lead 13 laps on his way to finishing sixth, then flew to Charlotte and finished third in the Coke 600.

With Stewart finishing on the lead lap at both Indy and at Charlotte, Stewart would end up becoming the first — and to date, the only — driver to ever complete all 1,100 miles of racing during the day.

2002-2004 — Robby Gordon

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After joining Richard Childress Racing in NASCAR, Robby Gordon ran the Indy-Charlotte Double three years in a row from 2002 to 2004, with his best outing coming in 2002 as part of a collaboration between Team Menard and RCR. Gordon finished eighth in that year’s Indy 500, then flew to Charlotte and finished 16th.

Driving for Andretti Green Racing the next year, Gordon qualified on the front row at Indianapolis in third, but he failed to finish after suffering a gearbox failure and then ran 17th at Charlotte. Rain was again a theme in Gordon’s final Double attempt the next year, as rain midway through the Indy 500 kept him from finishing the race before he had to fly to Charlotte for the 600. Relief driver Jacques Lazier got in Gordon’s car at Indianapolis, finishing 29th due to a mechanical failure after 88 laps, while Gordon ran 20th at Charlotte.

2014 — Kurt Busch

The most recent driver to complete the Indy-Charlotte Double was Kurt Busch in 2014, who ran IndyCar for the first time ever when he partnered with Andretti Autosport. Busch took to open wheel immediately in his first and only IndyCar start, qualifying 12th and finishing sixth in the Indianapolis 500 before flying to Charlotte to take the wheel of his No. 41 Cup ride for Stewart-Haas Racing. Busch ended up suffering an engine failure after completing 271 laps in the Coke 600 and finished 40th.

2024 — Kyle Larson

One year ago, Kyle Larson’s much anticipated Indianapolis 500 debut saw him qualify fifth before taking care of his NASCAR obligations, running fourth in the All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro before qualifying 10th for the Coke 600 in Charlotte. But on Sunday morning, Larson’s plans of starting both races were foiled when rained delayed the start at Indianapolis, forcing Larson to miss the start of the Coke 600 while he finished 18th at Indianapolis after a pit road speeding penalty.

While reserve driver and NASCAR Xfinity Series star Justin Allgaier started Larson’s car at Charlotte and was credited as the driver of record, the plan was for Larson’s Hendrick Motorsports team to make a driver change upon his arrival in Charlotte, with Allgaier stepping out of the car and Larson getting in to complete the remaining laps of the Coca-Cola 600. But those remaining laps never happened. Just as Larson arrived at Charlotte Motor Speedway, so too did another rainstorm that stopped the Coke 600 at lap 249. The race never restarted and went into the record books as an official race having passed the halfway point, meaning Larson never made a single lap.

Allgaier would be credited with a 13th place finish, and Larson would have to be granted a waiver from NASCAR in order to remain eligible for the playoffs despite having missed a race. Larson would earn a measure of redemption on his next trip to Indy, as he would win the Brickyard 400 when NASCAR visited Indianapolis in July.

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FuelFest 2026 Coming to New Jersey Motorsports Park

Published

48 minutes ago

January 6, 2026

Your Sports Nation

FuelFest, the ultimate automotive lifestyle, music, and show experience, announced 2026 global tour — its most expansive calendar to date — featuring all-new events in Qatar, London, Southern California (Orange County), and Chicago, alongside six additional fan-favorite U.S. destinations.

FuelFest blends world-class car culture, live motorsports, and music with a deep commitment to giving back. Every ticket purchased has supported Reach Out WorldWide (ROWW). Since 2018, FuelFest events have raised more than $785,000 for the non-profit.

2026 Tour Dates and Locations

FuelFest’s 2026 global tour dates and locations are as follows:

1/23 QATAR – Katara South, Doha, Qatar
2/28 SOUTH FLORIDA – South Florida Fairgrounds, West Palm Beach, FL
3/28 TAMPA – Florida State Fairgrounds, Tampa, FL
4/25 DALLAS-FT. WORTH – Texas Motor Speedway, Fort Worth, TX
5/30 BAY AREA – Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton, CA
6/13 SOCAL – OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa, CA
7/18 CHICAGO – SeatGeek Stadium, Bridgeview, IL
7/25 United Kingdom
8/11 JAPAN – Fuji Speedway, Oyama, Shizuoka, Japan
9/19 NEW JERSEY – New Jersey Motorsports Park, Millville, NJ
12/5 PHOENIX – Firebird Motorsports Park, Chandler, AZ

“FuelFest has evolved greatly from when we started it in 2019, and thanks to our fans, we’ve gone even bigger and more global,” said Cody Walker, FuelFest founder and president. “We’re excited about returning to the Middle East and also heading to the U.S. Midwest, as well as all of our other amazing locations. The best part? No matter where we are, we’re surrounded by our automotive and music enthusiast family.”

A Preview of What’s New For 2026

FuelFest will offer fans all-new, fresh, and updated show layouts and programs, including expansion of its curated and themed car show zones:

Taste of Tokyo: A high-profile showcase area with hand-picked JDM-style cars designed to mimic an underground car meet straight out of Japan.
The People’s Choice Paddock: An ultra-limited, premier car show area where fans can peruse the chosen cars and cast their vote for their favorite, with the winner announced on the Festival Stage, as well as an online vote for the best of 2026.
Increased Local Car Club Engagement, including registration incentives, discounts, featured placement, online collaborations, and more.
Meet & Greet Drift Driver Autograph Session — new for 2026 — is the opportunity to meet fan-favorite drivers and automotive personalities.
MORE: more professional drivers, automotive influencers, music, entertainment, and motorsport opportunities than ever before.

In 2026, the FuelFest team remains dedicated to offering unique, organized opportunities for professional and grassroots drivers to grow their programs alongside one another in front of thousands of engaged eventgoers.

“Building on the momentum of 2025 – which introduced new music artists, motorcycle stunts, off road demos, jet car drag racing, rally car thrill rides, wrestling, laser shows and more – FuelFest will expand on experiential offerings both on and off stage to bring even greater value to event attendees,” said Randal Smothers, FuelFest Global Marketing and Operations Director. “We’re excited to work hand in hand with some of the best venues in each market and bring the full FuelFest experience of live motorsports, music, and cars together for an unforgettable day.”

In 2026, FuelFest will announce new partnerships with brands and industry leaders, featuring all-new fan-focused exhibits, product demos, and guest speakers. Toyota GAZOO Racing joins FuelFest in 2026 as the festival’s “official performance vehicle partner,” which will seespecial brand presence, including vehicle displays, fan engagement, merchandise, and more.

Returning partners for 2026 include LiquiMoly, C4 Energy, Fitment Industries, Meguiar’s, O’Reilly Auto Parts, 303 Stabil, Jada Toys, X Comp Tires, SEMA+, and more, finding great value in what FuelFest has to offer, in-person and online.

Event information, car registration, and tickets can be found at www.FuelFest.com.

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‘Duels at Daytona’ receive patriotic new name ahead of US celebration – Motorsport – Sports

Published

6 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Your Sports Nation

NASCAR’s iconic Daytona 500’s Duels have received a one-off title for 2026, as the U.S. celebrates its 250th birthday.

The announcement was made on Monday by the Speedway, with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) as the sponsor of ‘The America 250 Florida Duel at Daytona.’

Both Duels one and two are scheduled to take place on Thursday, February 12, setting the starting grid for the Daytona 500, which will kickstart the NASCAR season in earnest that Sunday.

The decision for FDOT to become a sponsor of the event was made as part of an existing partnership between the organization and the Speedway, with the ultimate goal of promoting safe driving in the region.

In a statement, the Speedway’s president, Frank Kelleher, said, “It’s an honor to welcome the Florida Department of Transportation as our new sponsor for the America 250 Florida Duel at Daytona to help kick off Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth in 2026.

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“This sponsorship is a commitment to FDOT’s continued efforts to help keep Volusia County’s roadways safe. As we move forward on the shared journey toward a brighter future in Florida, there’s no better place to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence than at The World Center of Racing.”

Secretary of State Cord Byrd, who also serves as the chair of Florida’s Semiquincentennial Commission also released a statement, saying, “The history of automobile racing in Florida began in 1903 with a line drawn on the Florida sand, and throughout the years, the sport has rapidly grown in the state to make the Daytona 500 the most prestigious race on the NASCAR calendar.

“Duel at Daytona is an exciting way to commemorate that history for the America250FL initiative which celebrates Florida’s role in the 250th (semiquincentennial) anniversary of our nation’s founding.

“Visit America250FL.com and follow America250FL on X, Facebook, and Instagram to stay informed about ways to commemorate America250FL and our history.”

Meanwhile, FDOT’s secretary, Jared W. Perdue, P.E., said he felt the Duel was “an ideal opportunity to honor Florida’s storied history” with the nation celebrating its founding.

The 2026 race will mark the 68th edition of the Daytona 500, one of the most renowned in American motorsports.

Reigning back-to-back winner, Hendrick Motorsports’ William Byron, who was also recently named to the Drivers’ Advisory Council board, will be looking to become just the fifth three-time 500 winner, joining Denny Hamlin, Jeff Gordon, Dale Jarrett, and Bobby Allison. He would also become the first driver in history to win it three times in a row.

Currently, the record for most wins all-time at the track is appropriately held by the winningest driver in Cup Series history, seven-time champion Richard “The King” Petty. The 88-year-old won the race on seven occasions between 1964 and 1981.

However, a win for Byron would extend Hendricks’ lead as the most successful team at the track, with 10 wins to date, one ahead of Petty Enterprises.

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Carson Hocevar makes announcement with $2.4B NASCAR backer – Motorsport – Sports

Published

6 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Spire Motorsports and NASCAR Cup driver Carson Hocevar will again be backed in 2026 by Zeigler Automotive Group, a family-owned dealership network that generates over $2 billion in annual revenue.

The team announced on Monday afternoon that Zeigler will serve as the primary sponsor for 11 NASCAR Cup Series races, placing its branding on the No. 77 Chevrolet. Races will include events at tracks including Michigan, Pocono, Indianapolis, Bristol, Kansas, and Martinsville.

Zeigler has now tied itself to the driver previously penalized for his racing style across multiple seasons. The privately-backed company believes that the relationship synergy is much deeper than branding on the side of a car.

“Sponsoring Carson Hocevar for the 2026 season is about more than putting our name on the No. 77. It’s about supporting someone who represents the future of this sport and the way we do business,” said the president and CEO of Zeigler Auto Group and Zeigler Racing, Aaron Zeigler.

“Carson brings intensity, authenticity, and a relentless drive to improve every time he takes the track. That mindset will take him far, and we can’t wait to see what he does next as he continues to push what’s possible.”

The 22-year-old driver posted multiple top-10 finishes last year and led laps at Bristol and Michigan. His best finishes were two seconds at Nashville during the Cracker Barrel 400 won by Ryan Blaney, and in Atlanta for the Ambetter Health 400, which was the first of three consecutive wins for Christopher Bell.

“The whole Zeigler family has been such great supporters of me and the No. 77 team since day one,” he continued. “I’m looking forward to continuing to build our partnership on and off the track and can’t wait to park the Zeigler Chevrolet in Victory Lane this year.”

Hocevar found himself in hot water with drivers over the course of last season and has angered the likes of established veterans Kyle Busch, Ross Chastain, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Blaney called Hocevar a “moron” for the way he raced in Atlanta.

Zane Smith expressed a desire to punch Hocevar after their collision, which was initiated by the No. 77 at Bristol, which saw Hocevar get loose and spin Smith into a barrier.

“No, I didn’t talk to him. And it’s just you’re not going to get anything from it. Like, I don’t really know how else you can explain that,” said Smith. You want to go up to him and punch him in the face, but that’s $75,000, and that’s not very cool.”

The 2026 NASCAR regular season begins at Daytona on Feb. 15.

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Motorsports

Carson Hocevar Signs Contract Extension With $2.2 Billion Worth Sponsor

Published

7 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Slowly but surely Carson Hocevar is establishing himself as one of the superstar racers of the sport, by punching above his weight in the Spire Motorsports Chevy. He had a strong 2025 season that saw him almost winning the Atlanta race, and being a challenger in multiple events. P2 finishes at Atlanta and Nashville has been him bets moments of the year.

Now he is rewarded for the strong season, as Zeigler Automotive Group one of his primary sponsors has signed a contract extension with him. They are set to sponsor him for 10 points paying races and the Clash. Carson Hocevar sees the support from ZAG as full circle moment, as he grew up a street away from the company’s HQ in Kalamazoo.

I’m excited to continue our partnership with Zeigler Automotive Group. I grew up right down the street from their headquarters in Kalamazoo, so it is cool to see how it has all come full circle.

Carson Hocevar said (via TRE).

From day one of Carson Hocevar signing with Spire to drive the No:77 Chevy, the Zeigler family has had his back. He is more determined than ever to grow the partnership and wats to get the Zeigler Chevrolet to the victory lane. It would be really special to win his maiden Cup race for his biggest sponsor.

The whole Zeigler family have been such great supporters of me and the No. 77 team since day one. I’m looking forward to continuing to build our partnership on and off the track and can’t wait to park the Zeigler Chevrolet in victory lane this year.

Carson Hocevar added.

Zeigler Auto Group CEO explains why they extended Carson Hocevar deal

In the statement announcing the extension, Zeigler Auto Group CEO Aaron J. Zeigler has also shared his thoughts on the extension. He sees Hocevar as the future of NASCAR as well as the future of their business as a whole.

Sponsoring Carson Hocevar for the 2026 season is about more than putting our name on the No. 77. It’s about supporting someone who represents the future of this sport and the way we do business.

Aaron J. Zeigler said

He pointed out that the Chevy driver is special because of the intensity, authenticity, and a relentless drive he has. Zeigler expects these characteristics to earn him more success in NASCAR in the coming years and the company seems to banking on thar success.

Carson brings intensity, authenticity, and a relentless drive to improve every time he takes the track. That mindset will take him far, and we can’t wait to see what he does next as he continues to push what’s possible.

Aaron J. Zeigler added.

The comments from the Zeigler Auto Group CEO seems rational and on point regarding Carson Hocevar. Many expects him to be future superstar the sport needs to grow and the only big question is whether he needs to move from Spire to achieve this success.

Also Read: Shane van Gisbergen Insist Austin Cindric’s Poor Supercars Debut Might “Scare Off” NASCAR Racers

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Zeigler Automotive renews sponsorship with NASCAR driver Carson Hocevar

Published

9 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Zeigler Automotive Group announcing on Monday that it will return to Spire Motorsports to partner with Michigan native and 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year Carson Hocevar for multiple races in 2026.

“Sponsoring Carson Hocevar for the 2026 season is about more than putting our name on the No. 77 — it’s about supporting someone who represents the future of this sport and the way we do business,” said Aaron J. Zeigler, president and CEO of Zeigler Auto Group and Zeigler Racing. “Carson brings intensity, authenticity, and a relentless drive to improve every time he takes the track. That mindset will take him far, and we can’t wait to see what he does next as he continues to push what’s possible.”

Zeigler.com and Zeigler Auto Group will be showcased as the team’s primary sponsor in 11 Cup Series races in 2026 beginning with the season-opening Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, N.C.

The distinct yellow and black Zeigler paint scheme will be featured aboard Hocevar’s No. 77 Chevy Camaro at the following races in 2026:

Bowman Gray Stadium – February 1

Michigan International Speedway – June 7

Pocono Raceway – June 14

Chicagoland Speedway – July 5

Atlanta Motor Speedway – July 12

Indianapolis Motor Speedway – July 26

Iowa Speedway – August 9

Richmond Raceway – August 15

Bristol Motor Speedway – September 19

Kansas Speedway – September 27

Martinsville Speedway – November 1

Hocevar, 22, is fresh off a 2025 campaign featuring two top-five and nine top-10 results, including a pair of career-best runner-up finishes at Atlanta Motor Speedway and Nashville (Tenn.) Superspeedway. The sophomore driver also secured his first-career pole award at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth.

“I’m excited to continue our partnership with Zeigler Automotive Group,” said Hocevar. “I grew up right down the street from their headquarters in Kalamazoo, so it is cool to see how it has all come full circle. The whole Zeigler family have been such great supporters of me and the No. 77 team since day one. I’m looking forward to continuing to build our partnership on and off the track and can’t wait to park the Zeigler Chevrolet in Victory Lane this year.”

The Portage, Mich., native impressed throughout his rookie season in 2024, earning top rookie honors on the strength of one top-five, six top-10 and 13 top-15 finishes. His 686 points accumulated out-distanced his next closest competitor by a handsome 107-point advantage.

The 22-year-old made his Cup Series debut for Spire Motorsports on June 4, 2023 at World Wide Technology Raceway. In addition to his first appearance in NASCAR’s premier division, Hocevar made four NASCAR Xfinity Series starts for Spire Motorsports in 2023, earning top-10 finishes at Darlington Raceway (sixth) and Charlotte Motor Speedway (eighth).

The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium will kick off racing festivities for the 2026 season and will be televised live on FOX Sunday, February 1 at 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. NASCAR’s annual pre-season exhibition race will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

*article courtesy Spire Motorsports

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Tony Stewart named Chili Bowl grand marshall

Published

10 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Your Sports Nation

It’s been a bit since Tony Stewart has attended the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals, but the three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and overall motorsports legend is synonymous with the Tulsa Expo Center and that will be celebrated next week.

‘Smoke’ has been named Grand Marshal for Championship Saturday.

“Not only is Tony a winner here, but he was also part of what really made the Chili Bowl take off in the early 2000s, and was the one who really started to rebuild the connection between dirt track and NASCAR fans. He’s an ambassador to our sport at more levels than anyone; he’s a great friend, and they don’t make them like Tony anymore, so being able to honor him as our Grand Marshal means a lot to me, and this event,” stated Chili Bowl co-founder, Emmett Hahn. “I remember, we made Tony an award in 2014 to recognize what he has done for Sprint Car racing, but this is our chance to let him know how much the Chili Bowl appreciates him.”