350,000 for the Indy 500: First Sellout in a Decade
With an expected audience of 350,000 for the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 25th, Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials have declared the race to be a sellout, the first time since the historic 100th anniversary of the race in 2015. Some tickets remain, but so few that all are expected to be sold […]
With an expected audience of 350,000 for the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 25th, Indianapolis Motor Speedway officials have declared the race to be a sellout, the first time since the historic 100th anniversary of the race in 2015. Some tickets remain, but so few that all are expected to be sold by Monday. The race itself has typically been televised in the Indianapolis market on a tape delay, but it will be shown live this year in that market.
Wait, IndyCar fans might be saying: The Speedway has 350,000 seats? Good question. They don’t, but the grandstands can hold a still-enormous 232,000 people. Add in another 20,000 who will be watching in suites, another 12,000 who are employees on race day, fans who will watch from the infield, the Fox TV crew, team employees in the garages and on pit lane, and “You can see how quickly we get to that 350,000 number,” said Doug Boles, president of both the Speedway and the IndyCar series, at a press conference today.
In tandem with this historic update, event organizers have also lifted the local broadcast delay of the race. Expanded coverage of the first Indy 500 to air on FOX starts on Sunday, May 25 at 10 a.m. ET across the country, including Indianapolis, with the green flag set for approximately 12:45 p.m. ET.
Jeff Dean/AFP/Getty Images
Penske Entertainment President and CEO Mark Miles proclaimed that this is a “terrific showcase for the IndyCar series and a great milestone to supercharge our relationship with Fox Sports. It is also absolutely a fitting tribute to the continued leadership and investment of Roger Penske.” This is the first year of a multi-year contract with Fox, and Roger Penske is the owner of both the track and the series. Billionaire Penske, 88, is expected to be on his usual perch for IndyCar races, on top of a pit box helping with strategy for his three-car team, which includes Josef Newgarden, who is hoping to do something never before done in the Indy 500, and that’s win three of them in a row.
Josef Newgarden in his Penske Chevrolet.Phillip G. Abbott/Lumen/Getty Images
“I love living here for three weeks. I almost wish it was longer,” Newgarden said. “It’s definitely one of my favorite times of the year, if not the favorite. It just gets better when you win it. We have an opportunity to make history, which would be tremendous.”
This year, there are multiple solid story lines to follow between now and the race, one of them being NASCAR Cup driver, and past champion, Kyle Larson, who will attempt for the second year in a row to be the first driver since Tony Stewart, in 2001, to complete all 500 miles of the Indy 500, and all 600 miles of the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Larson tried it last year, but a rain delay at the 500 had him board the private jet to North Carolina too late to race in the 600. Like last year, he’s driving for Arrow McLaren at Indy and for Rick Hendrick’s NASCAR team at Charlotte.
The rain delay that made Larson miss the 600 last year meant that he earned no season points for that day; this year, Hendrick has made it clear that Larson will be at the 600, even if it means getting yanked out of the IndyCar mid-race. Should that happen, and likely only would with another rain delay, Indy winner Tony Kanaan will be standing by.
In practice for the 500, there had been no serious crashes, and only one minor one, until today, when Chip Ganassi Racing driver Kyffin Simpson crashed hard into the turn 4 outside wall, getting airborne and very nearly flipping before landing upright, and sliding down into the inside wall. Simpson was shaken but uninjured, but the car suffered a lot of damage, meaning Ganassi Racing must get the backup car ready for qualifying on Saturday and Sunday.
Another storyline to watch is another attempt by Helio Castroneves to win his fifth Indy 500, which has never been done. Castroneves, who is semi-retired from racing, will be in the Meyer Shank Racing car, run by the team that gave Castroneves his last victory at the Speedway.
More things to watch: Can anyone stop Alex Palou? The Spaniard has won four of the five IndyCar races so far this year, with his only loss coming at Long Beach to Kyle Kirkwood. Also, Pato O’Ward, who drives for Arrow McLaren, was leading last year’s race until the very last lap, when Newgarden seemed to come from nowhere to pass him. The TV coverage caught a devastated O’Ward on pit road after the race, and his fans think Indy owes him one.
And finally, 33 cars will start the Indianapolis 500, not 34, as a reporter who asked Boles whether or not the track will make an exception, as it has before, and let all 34 cars entered this year in the race. Absolutely not, Boles replied, “Not as long as I’m the president here.” So one car will go home after this weekend, and as Boles pointed out, some very big names over the years have failed to make the race.
Saturday, televised coverage from the track will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Fox Sports 1, with coverage throughout the day shifting to Fox Sports 2 at 1:30, and then at 4 p.m., to the Fox network. Sunday, coverage will air on the Fox network from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. As mentioned, coverage of the race on May 25th will begin on Fox at 10 a.m. ET, with the green flag scheduled for 12:45 p.m. Fans who want to watch Larson’s performance at the NASCAR race in Charlotte will need Amazon Prime, which will televise the next five NASCAR races.
Yamaha OAI Expands Off-Road Access Support with $387,000 Grants
Yamaha Motor Corp., USA awarded over $387,000 in grants through its Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative (OAI). The company supported off-road access support efforts to protect and improve OHV opportunities across the U.S. These efforts focused on large-scale projects in Oregon and Georgia. “Yamaha continues to support a range of projects that address challenges to outdoor […]
Yamaha Motor Corp., USA awarded over $387,000 in grants through its Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative (OAI). The company supported off-road access support efforts to protect and improve OHV opportunities across the U.S. These efforts focused on large-scale projects in Oregon and Georgia.
“Yamaha continues to support a range of projects that address challenges to outdoor recreation, and we’re eager to partner with those who share our passion for building and protecting access to the spaces we all enjoy,” said Steve Nessl, Yamaha Motorsports marketing director. “It’s gratifying to see these collaborative efforts evolve into large-scale projects that help make outdoor recreation accessible to everyone.”
Major OHV Investments Receive Off-Road Access Support
This quarter, Yamaha OAI grants supported 12 projects. The list included major OHV riding areas and trail systems in Oregon. The Great Outdoors Fund (supported by Florence Motorsports) received funding for Phase Two of an OHV signage project. The project will expand across the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area to promote safety, stewardship and regulations.
The Rogue Valley SxS Club (supported by Waterworld Boat and Powersport) will use its grant for trail maintenance. The club will focus on clearing the 270-mile Prospect OHV trail system and removing downed trees from designated trails.
OHV Construction and Conservation (supported by Power Motorsports) will create a loop trail around Tillamook State Forest’s OHV area. The “Tour of the Tillamook Powered by Yamaha” project includes trail development, maintenance and new signage. This project includes 49 trails: 17 double-track, 13 4×4 and 19 single-track routes.
The Georgia Recreational Trail Riders Association (supported by Cycle Specialty) received funding for trail improvements across the state. The group will maintain more than six motorized trails and riding areas. Their work includes bridge repair, culvert installation and new signage.
Yamaha OAI grant funds will also protect California’s historic Perris Raceway (supported by Langston Motorsports). Additionally, the initiative will continue supporting the All Kids Bike program for kindergartners nationwide.
Additional Recipients
Yamaha OAI also awarded Q1 2025 grants to the following organizations:
Burbank Police Department
Everything Outdoor Fest — D2 Powersports (Spartanburg, South Carolina)
Riley Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation — Brooks Yamaha Inc. (Manhattan, Kansas)
Stewards of the Sierra National Forest Inc. — Clawson Motorsports (Fresno, California)
Yamaha OAI continues accepting quarterly grant applications to fund urgent access projects and land rehabilitation. The initiative prioritizes safe OHV use, trail and land maintenance, and sustainable access to public lands.
The application deadline for the second quarter of 2025 is June 30. Yamaha invites land managers, riding clubs, and stewardship organizations to apply.
NASCAR Chicago Street Race lands Arby’s as sponsor
The NASCAR Chicago Street Race has landed Arby’s as the sponsor. On Wednesday, NASCAR announced the fast-food chain will join the league as the newest founding partner of the race, which will take place at Chicago’s Grant Park on Sunday, July 6. Arby’s is no stranger to NASCAR as it serves as an anchor partner […]
The NASCAR Chicago Street Race has landed Arby’s as the sponsor. On Wednesday, NASCAR announced the fast-food chain will join the league as the newest founding partner of the race, which will take place at Chicago’s Grant Park on Sunday, July 6. Arby’s is no stranger to NASCAR as it serves as an anchor partner for Rick Ware Racing (RWR) and driver Cody Ware in the Cup Series.
“It’s a watershed moment anytime you have a new brand joining the sport for the first time, especially when it’s a partner like Arby’s with such a unique, recognizable brand,” Craig Stimmel, Senior Vice President, Chief Commercial Officer, NASCAR, said in a press release. “The fact that we’re welcoming Arby’s to NASCAR on the streets of Chicago speaks to the tremendous momentum behind the NASCAR Chicago Street Race and the sport overall.”
More on Arby’s and the Chicago Street Race
“Arby’s is thrilled to hit the track as a Founding Partner of the 2025 NASCAR Chicago Street Race,” Jeff Baker, Chief Marketing Officer at Arby’s, said. “This marks an exciting moment for our brand in the world of motorsports, with one of the most dynamic and groundbreaking events in racing. Nothing goes better with NASCAR than one of our delicious Arby’s sandwiches, and we can’t wait to bring the meats to the streets for race fans and Arby’s fans in Chicago and beyond.
Arby’s joins Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois and Xfinity’s Xumo brand as the third Founding Partner of the 2025 Chicago Street Race. The restaurant was founded in 1964 and has 3,600 locations around the world. Its main headquarters are located in Atlanta.
“Arby’s is all about bringing joy to their fans, and that’s exactly our goal with the NASCAR Chicago Street Race,” Julie Giese, NASCAR Chicago Street Race President, said. “As anticipation rises in the Chicago market, we know that Arby’s will be a perfect fit for the fun and enjoyment that we plan to bring back to Grant Park this Independence Day Weekend.”
The Chicago Street Race began in 2023 and Shane van Gisbergen won the Cup Series event that year. Alex Bowman won the race in 2024.
NASCAR commissioner snubbed as PGA Tour set to hire prominent NFL figure as CEO – Motorsport – Sports
The PGA Tour is reportedly on the verge of appointing NFL executive vice president Brian Rolapp as its new CEO, a move aimed at bolstering commissioner Jay Monahan’s leadership, ESPN reports. Monahan had announced last year that the PGA Tour was in search of a new CEO for the 2025 season, with hopes of a […]
The PGA Tour is reportedly on the verge of appointing NFL executive vice president Brian Rolapp as its new CEO, a move aimed at bolstering commissioner Jay Monahan’s leadership, ESPN reports. Monahan had announced last year that the PGA Tour was in search of a new CEO for the 2025 season, with hopes of a merger agreement with LIV Golf.
However, the new season kicked off without a fresh face at the helm, leading to increased scrutiny of Monahan’s leadership, particularly from two-time PGA Tour winner Andrew Landry. Several high-profile names were considered for the position, including NASCAR commissioner Steve Phelps and TaylorMade Golf CEO David Abeles. But it appears Rolapp, who has spent 22 years with the NFL, is set to make the switch to the PGA Tour.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Seth Wickersham report that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed Rolapp’s departure in a memo sent to team executives and presidents on Thursday. The PGA Tour is expected to finalize Rolapp’s appointment during a board meeting on Monday.
Rolapp, who played a key role in the NFL’s recent growth spurt, has been touted as a potential successor to Goodell. Despite his impending move to the PGA Tour, it’s anticipated that he will remain a top contender for the NFL commissioner role when Goodell eventually steps down.
Monahan revealed last year a search for a fresh CEO in a heartfelt note to PGA Tour followers at the season’s conclusion. “We’re bringing new perspectives onto our team to help realize the incredible opportunities ahead for our sport,” he penned.
“Including launching a search for a CEO of the PGA Tour. We can learn so much from across the world of sport and entertainment and I’m excited to meet candidates for this important new role.”
Rolapp, who’s been with the NFL for over two decades and has held his current position since 2017, previously served as the NFL’s chief operating officer and as senior vice president of media strategy and digital media.
The departing NFL executive has played a key part in securing advertisement contracts, arranging television deals, and managing league sponsorships, raking in more than $10 billion annually for the league. Now Rolapp takes on the mission to navigate the PGA Tour, amid ongoing talks with rival LIV Golf.
Discussions on merging continue, albeit with no substantial progress since the initial agreement paperwork in June 2023. While Monahan holds out hope for a merger, golf champion Rory McIlroy remains skeptical.
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“Look, I think it takes two to tango,” remarked McIlroy. “So if one party is willing and ready and the other isn’t, it sort of makes it tough. I think the narrative around golf would welcome a deal in terms of just having all the best players together again.”
PGA luminary Bryson DeChambeau weighed in on the tour’s dynamics, opining: “But I don’t think the PGA Tour needs a deal. I think it would still be the ideal scenario for golf as a whole. But from a pure PGA Tour perspective, I don’t think it necessarily needs it.”
While at an event in Hong Kong, the LIV Golf star shared his vision saying, “I continue to see LIV Golf growing. It’s going to grow at an exponentiating pace for years to come, and we aren’t going anywhere.”
Loek Hartog to tackle three 24-hour races in three weeks
Photo credit: Porsche Defending Carrera Cup North America champion Loek Hartog will embark on an unprecedented three-week endurance challenge this summer. Fresh off his 2024 title in Kellymoss’s Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, the 22-year-old Dutch driver will contest the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Manthey Racing (June 14–15), the Nürburgring 24 Hours with Dinamic […]
Defending Carrera Cup North America champion Loek Hartog will embark on an unprecedented three-week endurance challenge this summer. Fresh off his 2024 title in Kellymoss’s Porsche 911 GT3 Cup, the 22-year-old Dutch driver will contest the 24 Hours of Le Mans with Manthey Racing (June 14–15), the Nürburgring 24 Hours with Dinamic GT (June 21–22) and the Spa 24 Hours with Rutronik Racing (June 28–29).
Hartog’s Le Mans drive marks his debut at the French classic, where he will pilot the 911 GT3 R alongside seasoned Manthey engineers. He then heads to Germany for his first appearance at the Nürburgring race before returning to Spa for a second outing on the Belgian circuit. Each event will test his endurance skills and ability to collaborate within multi-driver teams.
Last year, Hartog dominated the 16-round Carrera Cup season, claiming seven wins and eight pole positions en route to a championship margin exceeding 100 points. He also competed on both sides of the Atlantic in Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe. In 2025 he has added GT4 America duties for ACI Motorsports as a co-driver in the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport.
“Three big 24-hour races back to back are a new level of intensity,” Hartog said. “My sprint-race experience taught me to push boundaries, but endurance racing is about teamwork, consistency and staying present.” He has set his sights on advancing to the IMSA WeatherTech grid by 2026, aiming to leverage factory support and strong partnerships with gentleman drivers.
BangShift.com FREE LIVE DRAG RACING: The North’s Biggest Purse! The TB Promotions Laris Motorsports Insurance $250,000 Shootout From U.S. 131 In Michigan, LIVE.
FREE LIVE DRAG RACING: The North’s Biggest Purse! The TB Promotions Laris Motorsports Insurance $250,000 Shootout From U.S. 131 In Michigan, LIVE. Jun 12, 2025Chad Reynolds1320 Event Coverage, 1320 Spotlight, 1320 Videos, BangShift 1320, DRAG RACES, Event Coverage, RACING & ACTION, Videos Are you ready for the biggest purse in the North? We’re talking big […]
FREE LIVE DRAG RACING: The North’s Biggest Purse! The TB Promotions Laris Motorsports Insurance $250,000 Shootout From U.S. 131 In Michigan, LIVE.
Jun 12, 2025Chad Reynolds1320 Event Coverage, 1320 Spotlight, 1320 Videos, BangShift 1320, DRAG RACES, Event Coverage, RACING & ACTION, Videos
Are you ready for the biggest purse in the North? We’re talking big money bracket racing like none other, where the TB Promotions $250K takes over U.S. 131 in Michigan for the richest bracket race in the north. While big money bracket racing is the norm in the south, east, and even some places in the midwest, it sure isn’t as common up north. So when TB said they were bringing a $250,000 drag race to U.S. 131, you can imagine the excitement. Thanks to our friends at MotorManiaTV you can watch all of it, all weekend long, starting with today’s Mullis Race Cars Dragster race.
Then Friday and Sunday are worth $50,000 each for the winner and Saturday is worth $250,000! This is life changing money folks!
Video Description:
With few large paying bracket races in the northern part of the country, the team at TB Promotions picked the exception facility at US 131 Motorsports Park in Martin MI to host the riches paying race in the north.
Enter the TB Promotions Laris Motorsports Insurance $250K presented by Vintage Trailers. There are 4 great days of racing starting with the Folk Race Car shootout on Thursday, followed by the Fuel Factory 50K race on Friday followed by the Moser Engineering 250K race on Saturday and then closing out the weekend with SWT Excavation 50K race on Sunday.
There are also TB Promotions no box bonus each day and Hub Saver Jr’s on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Free LIVE Drag Racing: 11th Annual Mutt and Jeff Big Money Bracket Race – Thursday
FREE Nostalgia Drag Racing Livestream: The Wally Parks Nostalgia Nationals LIVE From Beech Bend Raceway Park – Thursday
Dorman Revs up its Brand in NASCAR as the Primary Sponsor of Haley’s No. 7 Chevrolet at Pocono Raceway – Speedway Digest
On Sunday, June 22nd, Dorman Products, Inc. (NASDAQ:DORM) will be taking its place on the grid at one of the biggest motorsports events of the year: The NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway. “Our sponsorship with Spire Motorsports is something we put a lot of value in — not just for the exposure, […]
On Sunday, June 22nd, Dorman Products, Inc. (NASDAQ:DORM) will be taking its place on the grid at one of the biggest motorsports events of the year: The NASCAR Cup Series race at Pocono (Pa.) Raceway.
“Our sponsorship with Spire Motorsports is something we put a lot of value in — not just for the exposure, but for what it represents. It’s a connection to a passionate community that shares our love for cars, performance, and problem-solving. Partnering with Spire Motorsports allows us to celebrate that shared spirit and be a part of incredible events like the Pocono race,” said Steve Gisondi, Vice President, Marketing.
The Dorman car will be driven by 26-year-old Justin Haley, who has 234 points after 15 races in the prestigious NASCAR Cup Series Championship standings. Haley is not only a rising star in NASCAR and a key driver for Spire Motorsports — he’s also a strong ambassador for the Dorman brand.
Haley’s car will be emblazoned with Dorman logos over a striking orange and black paint scheme and is the centerpiece of a multi-prong brand marketing campaign directed at fans attending race weekend at Pocono, as well as television and internet audiences around the world.
Director of Marketing Communications Justin Hall noted, “This marks our fifth year partnering with Spire Motorsports and the No. 7 car at Pocono. This race delivers top-tier brand exposure, and we’re excited to be a part of this year’s event with Spire.”
Dorman’s presence at Pocono represents more than just a marketing milestone — it is a celebration of the shared values that unite Dorman, Spire Motorsports, and the NASCAR community. From the garage to the grandstands, Dorman is proud to support a sport that reflects the determination, innovation, and hands-on spirit that defines the brand.
This event marks an exciting step forward as Dorman looks to build on the momentum and continue engaging with the passionate fans and professionals who drive the automotive world ahead. For more information about Pocono Race Weekend visit https://www.poconoraceway.com/
Visit our website at www.dormanproducts.com.
The Investor Relations section of the website contains a significant amount of information about Dorman, including financial and other information for investors. Dorman encourages investors to visit its website periodically to view new and updated information.
