Front Row Motorsports (FRM) today announced several leadership updates within its Competition department ahead of the 2026 NASCAR Cup and Truck Series’ seasons.

Drew Blickensderfer will transition from his prior role as Crew Chief of the No. 4 and Noah Gragson and will become the organization’s Competition Director. In his new role, Blickensderfer will work alongside current Technical Director Seth Barbour, who will continue to lead the organization’s technical direction and engineering efforts. A 17-year NASCAR Cup Series Crew Chief veteran, Blickensderfer leaves the pit box with four wins, 30 top-five and 85 top-10 finishes, most notably winning the 2009 Daytona 500 with Matt Kenseth and 2021 Daytona 500 with Michael McDowell.

Grant Hutchens will assume the role of Crew Chief for Noah Gragson and the No. 4 team. A native of Omaha, Nebraska, Hutchens brings extensive NASCAR experience, beginning his career with Evernham Motorsports, where he spent five years. Hutchens later moved to Richard Childress Racing where he served as the race engineer for Paul Menard, Kevin Harvick, and Ryan Newman. Most recently, Hutchens worked at Team Penske, where he joined Ryan Blaney’s team during Blaney’s NASCAR Cup Series rookie season in 2016 and served in several different lead engineering roles before assuming the position as the organization’s test team Crew Chief in 2025.

FRM also announced that Jonathan DeHart has joined the organization as the Aerodynamics Manager, overseeing the team’s aerodynamic operations. DeHart brings a strong background to Front Row Motorsports, having previously held key roles most recently as the IndyCar Aero Car Chief for GM Racing and as Body Production Manager at Hendrick Motorsports.

“We are very fortunate, and I am extremely excited to add experienced, talented people like Grant and Jonathan to leadership roles in the organization”, said Front Row Motorsports team owner, Bob Jenkins. “With the inclusion of our Truck Series teams, we operate (5) full-time teams and I’m equally as excited to have Drew turn his attention to providing direction and guidance to our crew chiefs and competition group as a whole. Having Drew in this new role for us and Seth being able to focus on the technical aspects within our team, it puts us in a better position to execute on the track and achieve our goals in 2026.”

The changes go into effect immediately as the team has testing planned this month at North Wilkesboro (Cup) and Rockingham (Truck) heading into the season’s first Cup Series event at the Bowman Gray Clash on February 1st.

Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG mourns the loss of Hans Herrmann. The former racing driver passed away on January 9, 2026, at the age of 97. During his motorsport career, he achieved more than 80 overall and class victories, the vast majority of them for Porsche.

Herrmann not only competed in all major endurance races and European hill climb championship events, but also conducted countless test drives at the Weissach Development Center. “The passing of Hans Herrmann has deeply affected us all,” says Thomas Laudenbach, Head of Porsche Motorsport. “He was one of Porsche AG’s most successful factory racing drivers. With the victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1970 in the Porsche 917, Richard Attwood and he made history.” The sports car manufacturer from Zuffenhausen owes him not only many triumphs but also the historic milestone he set, making Porsche a serious competitor in endurance racing.

Hans Herrmann was born on February 23, 1928. He completed training as a confectioner, intending to later take over his mother’s café. However, this did not come to pass, as his talent and passion lay in motorsport. In 1952, the Stuttgart native started his first circuit race at the Nürburgring in a Porsche 356 – and won. The following year, he achieved a class victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in a Porsche 550 Coupé. Also in 1953, Herrmann claimed the title of German Sports Car Champion. Mercedes-Benz then recruited him into their factory team, making him a colleague of Juan Manuel Fangio, Stirling Moss, and Karl Kling. In 1954, Herrmann continued to race for Porsche in smaller displacement classes and won class victories in the 550 Spyder at the Carrera Panamericana and the Mille Miglia. The latter race is remembered for a particularly spectacular moment: Herrmann drove the open mid-engine sports car under a closing railway barrier. He later captioned the image as a postcard with the words: “You have to be lucky.”

Herrmann repeatedly returned to Porsche
Luck would remain a constant companion throughout his career. After Daimler-Benz withdrew from motorsport, he spent years with Maserati, B.R.M., Borgward, and repeatedly Porsche. In 1960, Olivier Gendebien and Herrmann triumphed with a 718 RS 60 Spyder at the 12 Hours of Sebring – Porsche’s first overall victory in a World Sportscar Championship race. Shortly afterwards, Herrmann and Joakim Bonnier won the Targa Florio in the Porsche 718 RS 60 Spyder, and in the same year, he was celebrated as Formula 2 European Champion with the Porsche 718/2. In 1962, he switched to Carlo Abarth to become a factory driver for the Viennese constructor from 1963. In 1966, he returned to the Porsche factory team alongside drivers Jo Siffert, Vic Elford, Rolf Stommelen, Udo Schütz, and Gerhard Mitter.

A victory for the history books
In 1970, Herrmann faced the toughest race of his life in the Porsche 917 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. “In 1969, I narrowly lost the victory to Jacky Ickx after we overtook each other several times in the last hour and a half of the race. In 1970, Ferdinand Piëch ensured we had a stronger engine and a real chance of winning. Winning exactly one year after the narrowly missed victory at Le Mans was, of course, special. It was also Porsche’s first overall victory – and it was my last race,” Herrmann recalled. He had already lost too many friends by that June day; his wife was worried, and Herrmann himself was clear: “It can’t be that I’m so lucky, and at some point, this phase might end.”

The endurance and single-seater specialist has become one of the most reliable and consistent racers of all time in motorsport history. During his career, Herrmann raced for many manufacturers, but his closest and most formative connection was always with Porsche. He accompanied the Porsche Museum for decades after retiring from active racing at the age of 42, participating in driving events at renowned classic car events worldwide. Hans Herrmann leaves behind his wife, Magdalena, two sons and a grandson

The Java House Grand Prix of Arlington will feature three days of on-track action, including the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, INDY NXT by Firestone, Toyota GR Cup Series, and USF Pro 2000 Presented by Continental Tire. The weekend includes practice sessions, qualifying, support races, and fan experiences.

Additional entertainment to be announced next week.

The Java House Grand Prix of Arlington is a premier motorsports event bringing high-speed competition and immersive fan experiences to the heart of Arlington, Texas. Designed to celebrate innovation, athleticism, and community, the event transforms the city into a dynamic race-week destination, featuring elite racing, engaging activations, and unforgettable moments for fans, teams, and partners alike. This isn’t just another race, it’s a transformative moment for North Texas, blending world-class racing, live entertainment, and community events in one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports hubs.

Schedule
*All times are listed in CT and may be subject to change.

Friday, March 13, 2026

• 9:00 am: All Admission Gates Open
• 9:05 am – 9:35 am: Toyota GR Cup Series Practice 1
• 11:30 am – 12:05 pm: USF Pro 2000 Practice
• 12:35 pm – 1:05 pm: Toyota GR Cup Series Practice 2
• 2:00 pm – 2:45 pm: INDY NXT by Firestone Practice 1
• 3:05 pm – 4:25 pm: NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice 1
• 4:45 pm – 5:00 pm: Toyota GR Cup Series Qualifying (Race 1)
• 5:15 pm – 5:45 pm: USF Pro 2000 Qualifying

Saturday, March 14, 2026

• 8:00 am: All Admission Gates Open
• 8:35 am – 9:55 am: NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice 2
• 10:15 am – 11:00 am: INDY NXT by Firestone Practice 2
• 11:20 am – 12:05 pm: Toyota GR Cup Series Race 1
• 12:25 pm – 1:05 pm: USF Pro 2000 Race 1
• 1:35 pm – 3:00 pm: NTT INDYCAR SERIES Qualifying
• 3:30 pm – 4:00 pm: INDY NXT by Firestone Qualifying
• 4:20 pm – 4:35 pm: Toyota GR Cup Series Qualifying (Race 2)
• 4:55 pm – 5:35 pm: USF Pro 2000 Race 2

Sunday, March 15, 2026

• 7:30 am: All Admission Gates Open
• 8:00 am – 8:45 am: Toyota GR Cup Series Race 2
• 9:05 am – 9:35 am: NTT INDYCAR SERIES Warm-Up
• 10:00 am – 11:00 am: INDY NXT by Firestone Race
• 11:15 am – 12:10 pm: NTT INDYCAR SERIES Pre Race
• 12:10 pm: NTT INDYCAR SERIES Race

TOMBALL, Texas (Jan. 9, 2026) – Texas-based American Communications Construction (ACC) and Aloha Beauty Lounge have each extended its primary sponsorship of NHRA Top Fuel driver Tony Schumacher and the No. 15 Top Fuel dragster he pilots for Rick Ware Racing (RWR) through the 2032 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season.

This long-term agreement will have the winningest Top Fuel driver in NHRA history in a 12,000-horsepower dragster for a fourth decade, allowing Schumacher to add to his 88 event wins and series-best eight championships.

“This commitment allows us to be strategic and make the necessary investments in procuring the best and brightest crew, team leadership and equipment that will allow us to compete for championships beginning in 2026,” said Schumacher, a 2025 Motorsports Hall of Fame of America inductee.

ACC and Aloha partnered with RWR and Schumacher for the final seven races of 2025, debuting in the NHRA U.S. Nationals.

“My wife, Summer, and I have gotten to know American Communications Construction president Aven McBride, and his wife Tracey, and their incredible employees, all last season when we first partnered together. It was quickly apparent how well we all got along, and had the same goals and ideals about family, business and enjoying life,” Schumacher said.

“Anyone who knows the McBrides all say the same thing – that they’re kind, philanthropic, driven people who care about their employees and the success of their respective companies. They love to have fun and win, which is what this race team is all about. It makes for a perfect match. I’m excited for the future.”

Schumacher will have veteran tuner Jim Oberhofer as his crew chief, and a strong teammate in Top Fuel driver Clay Millican, the winningest driver in IHRA history and a six-time IHRA champion.

“This long-term partnership with Tony Schumacher and American Communications Construction allows our Top Fuel program to compete at the highest level. It provides continuity and confidence for our entire operation,” said team owner Rick Ware.

“Pairing Tony with Clay Millican gives us one of the most experienced driver lineups in NHRA. Both of them raise the bar every time we unload and they’re integral to the success of our race team.”

McBride, owner and president of American Communications Construction, is adamant this multiyear commitment will pay dividends on the racetrack.

“We’re building this team into one that is a threat to win at every race we enter, and this extension shows our commitment to doing just that. We can keep our focus on having the best people and getting all the parts and pieces we need to make this ACC/Aloha Top Fuel dragster go fast and straight down the track,” McBride said.

“Tracey and I are committed to our driver, Tony Schumacher. His records are unmatched, and he has many more wins and championships to come. We want to be part of that, and our employees at ACC and Aloha love racing, and they want to be a part of it too. It’s a natural fit for our family to be a part of this racing family.

“Rick Ware Racing is a class-act organization, and we have the best of everything. The best team, the best driver, the best crew chief – we have it all. We’re excited to get to Gainesville and get the season started.”

The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series kicks off its milestone 75th season with the NHRA Gatornationals March 5-8 at Gainesville (Fla.) Raceway. Livestreaming of every round can be seen on NHRA.tv with FS1 providing tape-delayed coverage.

About American Communications Construction:

Since 2001, American Communications Construction, Inc., has been a trusted leader in building the backbone of communication across the greater Houston, Texas, area and beyond. ACC specializes in every aspect of the communications industry, including aerial and underground fiber optic placement, single-mode and multi-mode fiber splicing, cable testing, structured wiring, and complete infrastructure design for both commercial and residential projects.

Our experienced team – many with more than 20 years in the industry – takes pride in delivering precision, safety and efficiency on every job. Whether it’s connecting entire communities through large-scale fiber optic networks or providing tailored solutions for businesses and homes, our mission is to ensure reliable, high-quality communication systems that stand the test of time.

Beyond our technical expertise, we are deeply committed to giving back, supporting local organizations, and investing in the communities we serve. At American Communications Construction, we don’t just build networks – we build connections that last.

About Aloha Beauty Lounge:

Since 2007, Aloha Beauty Lounge has been a trusted destination for beauty, self-care and connection in the heart of Tomball, Texas. Offering a full range of services – all delivered by a skilled and passionate team dedicated to helping clients look and feel their absolute best.

Our philosophy is simple: every guest who walks through our doors is treated like family. We take pride in creating a welcoming, relaxing environment where beauty meets genuine care. Beyond our services, we are committed to giving back, supporting local schools, sponsoring community events and partnering with charities that make a difference. At Aloha Beauty Lounge, beauty is just the beginning. Our true passion lies in uplifting our community, one client at a time.

About Rick Ware Racing:

Rick Ware has been a motorsports mainstay for more than 40 years. It began at age 6 when the third-generation racer began his driving career and has since spanned four wheels and two wheels on both asphalt and dirt. Competing in the SCCA Trans Am Series and other road-racing divisions led Ware to NASCAR in the early 1980s, where he finished third in his NASCAR debut – the 1983 Warner W. Hodgdon 300 NASCAR Grand American race at Riverside (Calif.) International Raceway. In 1995, Rick Ware Racing was formed, and with wife Lisa by his side, Ware transitioned out of the driver’s seat and into fulltime team ownership. He has since built his eponymous organization into an entity that competes fulltime in the elite NASCAR Cup Series while simultaneously campaigning winning teams in the Top Fuel class of the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, Progressive American Flat Track (AFT), FIM World Supercross Championship (WSX) and zMAX CARS Tour.

Organizations helping local kids in need received a boost for their causes this morning as Speedway Children’s Charities Atlanta distributed $100,000 in grants.

The charity’s annual Grant Distribution Ceremony benefited 30 local nonprofits which each received a grant in EchoPark Speedway’s victory lane. In total, recipients will use these grants to support various needs of 12,000 kids in metro Atlanta and Georgia. Causes supported include housing assistance for families in crisis, cancer support services, meal programs, and more.

“It’s an honor to help so many nonprofits who are making a difference for thousands of children in our area,” said SCC Atlanta Chapter Director Kathy Bradley. “This is the culmination of a year’s worth of hard work by our volunteers and the generous support of our donors.”

SCC Atlanta holds fundraisers throughout the year in conjunction with EchoPark Speedway events, including its two NASCAR Cup Series race weekends. The chapter also collects donations through standalone initiatives such as Laps for Charity events at the speedway, the Kids Win Clay Shoot, and more.

SCC Atlanta is one of 11 local chapters of Speedway Children’s Charities nationwide. In 2025 alone, these chapters collectively distributed more than $4.9 million to 489 nonprofits, benefiting 268,020 children. Since its inception in 1982, Speedway Children’s Charities has distributed more than $77 million to organizations across the country.

For more information about Speedway Children’s Charities or to learn how to volunteer or donate to your local chapter, visitwww.speedwaycharities.org.

SCC PR

Bakersfield Speedway at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway has added the Ultimate Sprint Car Series to the 2026 schedule. The combined 410 and 360 cubic inch series will hit the one-third mile dirt track on May 30 and Sept 12.

USCS made two stops at Bakersfield Speedway in 2025 with Bakersfield’s Brody Fuson and Camarillo’s Ricky Lewis scoring the victories. The series averaged 26 entries across the two events.

May 30 features California 305 Sprint Cars, American Stocks and National Dwarf Cars.

Western Racing Association vintage racers have been added to the action for the September 12 event along with Hobby Stocks, American Stocks, and Mini Stocks.

Slight division changes have been made to other dates on the schedule as well to prevent conflicts with other dirt tracks in the region.

Tickets for the Winter Clash featuring the season opener for the IMCA championships along with the USAC Western States Midgets on February 20-21 will go on sale on February 1.

For more information on Bakersfield Speedway at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway, visit www.BakersfieldSpeedway.com or follow the speedway on social media. Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway is located at 13500 Raceway Blvd, near Enos Ln and Interstate 5 in Bakersfield.

FEBRUARY

20- IMCA MODIFIEDS, SPORT MODS, STOCK CARS, HOBBY STOCKS, AMERICAN STOCKS

21- USAC WESTERN STATES MIDGETS, IMCA MODIFIEDS, SPORT MODS, SOCAL DWARFS

MARCH

7- IMCA MODIFIEDS, SPORT MODS, STOCK CARS, HOBBY STOCKS, AMERICAN STOCKS, MINI STOCKS

20- IMCA MODIFIEDS, SPORT MODS, STOCK CARS, HOBBY STOCKS, AMERICAN STOCKS

21- CALIFORNIA 305 SPRINTS, IMCA MODIFIEDS, SPORT MODS, HOBBY STOCKS, AMERICAN STOCKS

APRIL

11- IMCA MODIFIEDS, SPORT MODS, HOBBY STOCKS, AMERICAN STOCKS, CA LIGHTNING SPRINTS

18- IMCA MODIFIEDS, SPORT MODS, STOCK CARS, HOBBY STOCKS, AMERICAN STOCKS

MAY

2- IMCA MODIFIEDS, SPORT MODS, HOBBY STOCKS, AMERICAN STOCKS, NATIONAL DWARFS

9- CALIFORNIA 305 SPRINTS, IMCA MODIFIEDS, SPORT MODS, STOCK CARS, HOBBY STOCKS

30- USCS SPRINTS, CALIFORNIA 305 SPRINTS, AMERICAN STOCKS, NATIONAL DWARFS

JUNE

13- IMCA MODIFIEDS, SPORT MODS, STOCK CARS, HOBBY STOCKS, AMERICAN STOCKS, SO CAL DWARFS

27- MCGOWAN MEMORIAL – IMCA MODIFIEDS, SPORT MODS, HOBBY STOCKS, AMERICAN STOCKS

JULY

25- IMCA MODIFIEDS, SPORT MODS, STOCK CARS, HOBBY STOCKS, AMERICAN STOCKS

AUGUST

29- MIKE MOSHIER CLASSIC – IMCA MODIFIEDS, SPORT MODS, STOCK CARS, HOBBY STOCKS, AMERICAN STOCKS

SEPTEMBER

12- USCS SPRINTS, HOBBY STOCKS, AMERICAN STOCKS, MINI STOCKS, WRA VINTAGE

26- IMCA MODIFIEDS, SPORT MODS, HOBBY STOCKS, AMERICAN STOCKS, SOCAL DWARFS

OCTOBER

9-10 BUD NATIONALS – IMCA MODIFIEDS, SPORT MODS, STOCK CARS, HOBBY STOCKS, AMERICAN STOCKS, SO CAL DWARFS

NOVEMBER

24- JASON LEFFLER MEMORIAL USAC NATIONAL MIDGETS, SPORT MODS

Bakersfield Speedway PR