Chase Elliott speculation sparked by Hendrick Motorsports chief
Chad Knaus was spotted congratulating Carson Hocevar after his second place finish in Nashville – and it has sparked speculation that the youngster could be the man to replace Chase Elliott Chase Elliott has had a tough season so far(Image: Getty) Hendrick Motorsports vice president of competition Chad Knaus was seen congratulating Carson Hocevar for […]
Chad Knaus was spotted congratulating Carson Hocevar after his second place finish in Nashville – and it has sparked speculation that the youngster could be the man to replace Chase Elliott
Chase Elliott has had a tough season so far(Image: Getty)
Hendrick Motorsports vice president of competition Chad Knaus was seen congratulating Carson Hocevar for his runner-up finish in Nashville, sparking a frenzy on social media.
Hocevar, who has caused plenty of controversy with several incidents this season, earned commendations from Hendrick’s own Jeff Gordon during an interview on Amazon Prime Video at the Coca-Cola 600. The 22-year-old, who earlier revealed to Express U.S. Sports his secret sauce for fearlessness in the Cup Series, is currently ranked 17th after turning heads with his performances.
Speculation is rife that he might slide into the No. 48 car, once driven by Jimmie Johnson with Knaus as the crew chief, bagging seven Cup Series Championships. Yet, as whispers of Knaus’ interaction with Hocevar made rounds, some fans are betting he could take over Chase Elliott’s spot in the No. 9 car amid his frustrations so far this season.
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Despite Elliott’s winless streak this season and a 15th place finish in Nashville, his status seems solid as NASCAR’s Most Popular Driver and fifth in points, but that hasn’t stopped fan theories online.
A fan posted: “Future driver of the 9 car. I’m calling it now,” while another clapped back: “Do you realize how much $ the 9 car makes them? No shot unless he wants out”.
One fan suggested: “Give him the 9 car” Another chimed in with their own thoughts on Reddit, stating: “Spire is HMS affiliated and Bowman’s getting replaced. That’s all it means,” to which another user replied: “This but Chase” and a reply read: “That would be one of the wildest driver replacement in history”.
Another fan noted: “As much as Chase has struggled, replacing him over Bowman (who I also don’t believe needs to be replaced) would be insane. Even if Chase isn’t winning regularly, a clear slump in his form still leaves him 5th in points”.
Carson Hocevar was congratulated by Chad Knaus at Nashville (Image: Getty)
It was also pointed out: “Rick (Hendrick) has probably the best history in the sport of being loyal to drivers. Gave (Dale Earnhardt) Jr time to figure everything out and did everything in his power to help him. Let Byron develop instead of dumping him after a bad rookie season.
“Kept Kasey (Kahne) in the 5 for years when it was obvious he was a step behind his teammate the last few years. I think HMS even gave support to LFR when he went there.
“Rick knows guys take time to develop/slump occasionally, and he lets guys work through it instead of instantly replacing them. He’s super loyal to his drivers.”
As one commenter noted: “And like it’s been said, Chase’s ‘slump’ still has him top 5 in points for almost all of last season and all of this season so far. He literally just hasn’t won much.”
Despite no indication that Hocevar will replace Elliott in the No. 9 car, recent actions by Knaus and on-track performances have fans continuing to speculate about a possible driver switch during the upcoming silly season.
The NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfnity Series are headed to Dover Motor Speedway for some concrete oval action. Here’s who’s on the entry lists. The Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 will be on Sunday, July 20, at 2 p.m. ET. It will be broadcast on TNT. There are 37 teams listed, meaning everyone makes the […]
The NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfnity Series are headed to Dover Motor Speedway for some concrete oval action.
Here’s who’s on the entry lists.
The Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 will be on Sunday, July 20, at 2 p.m. ET. It will be broadcast on TNT.
There are 37 teams listed, meaning everyone makes the field following qualifying, barring any entry list changes.
JJ Yeley and the NY Racing No. 44 are back for this weekend’s action.
Thinkin’ Out Loud at Sonoma: Stop Complaining, You’re Witnessing NASCAR History
The Xfinity Series will take on the Monster Mile for the BetRivers 200 on Saturday, July 19, at 4:30 p.m. ET. The CW is the place to catch all Xfinity Series action.
Forty drivers are listed, meaning two of them will head home following qualifying, unless there are entry list changes.
Nick Leitz is back in the No. 07 for SS-Green Light Racing.
Ross Chastain will pilot the No. 9 for JR Motorsports.
Garrett Smithley is in the No. 14 for SS-Green Light Racing.
Jake Finch will attempt to make his series debut in the No. 17 for Hendrick Motorsports.
The No. 19 for Joe Gibbs Racing will see Aric Almirola behind the wheel once again.
Ryan Truex looks to continue his Dover dominance in the No. 24 for Sam Hunt Racing.
Rajah Caruth will attempt his first Xfinity start of the year in the No. 32 for Jordan Anderson Racing.
Both of Joey Gase Motorsports’ cars, the Nos. 35 and 53, are entered but the drivers have yet to be announced.
Lavar Scott is another driver looking to make his series debut in the No. 45 for Alpha Prime Racing.
Leland Honeyman will drive the Cope Family Racing No. 70.
NASCAR teams 23XI and Front Row seek urgent court order to retain charters – Action News Jax
The two race teams suing NASCAR over antitrust allegations filed for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction Monday to be recognized as chartered organizations for the remainder of 2025. 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports are locked in a lengthy legal battle over the charter system, which is the equivalent of the franchise model […]
The two race teams suing NASCAR over antitrust allegations filed for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction Monday to be recognized as chartered organizations for the remainder of 2025.
23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports are locked in a lengthy legal battle over the charter system, which is the equivalent of the franchise model in other sports. 23XI, owned by retired NBA great Michael Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin, and Front Row, owned by entrepreneur Bob Jenkins, last September rejected NASCAR’s final proposal on extensions and instead filed an antitrust suit.
The case is winding its way through the court system but now with urgency: the teams were set to lose their charters Wednesday and in the latest filing, they allege NASCAR has indicated it will immediately begin the process of selling the six tags that guarantee entry into every race as well as monetary rewards and other benefits.
After the filing NASCAR was ordered to respond by 5 p.m. Wednesday — which means there would be no ruling on if the charters will be revoked likely until Thursday, at the earliest.
“Today we filed a motion in the district court for a renewed preliminary injunction and temporary restraining order to protect the teams’ ability to race chartered for the remainder of the 2025 Cup Series season and prevent irreparable business harm to 23XI and Front Row Motorsports until we can present our case at trial in December,” said Jeffery Kessler, attorney for the teams.
“New information surfaced through the discovery process that overwhelmingly supports our position that a preliminary injunction is legally warranted and necessary. The teams’ love of stock car racing and belief in a better future for the sport for all parties – teams, drivers, employees, sponsors, and fans – continues to motivate their efforts to pursue this antitrust case.”
There were large portions of the filing redacted because the arguments are based on information learned through discovery, making it confidential, for now. But, the urgency is likely tied to NASCAR indicating it plans to immediately begin selling the charters if they are revoked.
Should the teams have their six combined charters revoked, the drivers would have to qualify on speed to make each week’s race and would receive a smaller percentage of the purse. They may also have to refund money paid out through the first 20 races of the year.
NASCAR accused 23XI and Front Row of filing “a third motion for another unnecessary and inappropriate preliminary injunction” and noted it has made multiple requests to the teams “to present a proposal to resolve this litigation.”
“We have yet to receive a proposal from 23XI or Front Row, as they have instead preferred to continue their damaging and distracting lawsuit,” NASCAR said in a statement. “We will defend NASCAR’s integrity from this baseless lawsuit forced upon the sport that threatens to divide the stakeholders committed to serving race fans everywhere.
“We remain focused on collaborating with the 13 race teams that signed the 2025 charter agreements and share our mutual goal of delivering the best racing in the world each week, including this weekend in Dover.”
Also on Monday, Rick Ware Racing and Legacy Motor Club had a short virtual hearing in a North Carolina court over their fight for a charter.
Legacy, owned by seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson, contends it had an agreement with RWR to lease one of its two charters in 2026. RWR contends the agreement was for 2027 and it already has a contract with RFK Racing to lease that team a charter next season.
Legacy on Monday asked for and was granted the right to depose RWR over the recent revelation that T.J. Puchyr, one of the founders of Spire Motorsports, plans to purchase the race team. Legacy contends if Ware is selling the team, then one of the charters should be transferred to its organization.
Legacy also argued that Ware did not disclose he was entering into a sales agreement with a third party — Puchyr, who is now a consultant and brokered the initial lease deal between RWR and Legacy — in an April hearing. The judge in that case warned that RWR could be in contempt of court if it misrepresented its intentions in the first hearing.
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Shane van Gisbergen’s Rise at 36: Age, Family and the…
Shane van Gisbergen is not just winning races in NASCAR, he’s reshaping its global identity. At 36, the New Zealand-born driver has taken the Cup Series by storm with a racing style forged far from the American South, backed by strong family roots and growing financial clout. Born on 9 May 1989 in Auckland, Shane […]
Shane van Gisbergen is not just winning races in NASCAR, he’s reshaping its global identity. At 36, the New Zealand-born driver has taken the Cup Series by storm with a racing style forged far from the American South, backed by strong family roots and growing financial clout.
Born on 9 May 1989 in Auckland, Shane van Gisbergen’s age has become a talking point in NASCAR. Unlike most rookies who emerge from the US stock car system in their early twenties, van Gisbergen arrived with more than a decade of success in Supercars, where he won three championships and built a reputation as a ruthless road-course tactician.
After transitioning to NASCAR full-time in 2024, van Gisbergen initially struggled to adjust to oval circuits. But by mid-2025, he turned heads with three road-course victories in rapid succession, in Mexico City, the Chicago Street Race, and Sonoma. His latest win at Sonoma saw him lead 97 of 110 laps, placing him in the record books as the fastest driver to win four Cup races since Parnelli Jones in 1967, according to NASCAR.
The Family Behind the Helmet
Much of Shane van Gisbergen’s success stems from a grounded personal life. Raised in New Zealand by parents Robert van Gisbergen and Karen Wallace, he grew up in a motorsport-loving household alongside his sister, Lauren. His early exposure to karting and motocross laid the foundation for his fearless approach on track.
Van Gisbergen’s family remains a critical support system. During his mother’s illness in 2024, racing provided him with structure and motivation. Speaking about that period, van Gisbergen noted: ‘When everything feels out of control off the track, racing gives you something to focus on. That helped more than anything’.
Now based in North Carolina, the heart of American stock car racing, he still keeps close ties to his New Zealand roots. Family members frequently attend his races, offering both moral support and continuity amid NASCAR’s gruelling schedule.
Shane van Gisbergen Net Worth and Sponsorship Power
As Shane van Gisbergen’s net worth grows, so does his presence in the sport. Estimates place his earnings between £4 million ($5.3 million) and £5.5 million ($7.4 million), accumulated through racing purses, sponsorships, and brand endorsements. Current backers include Red Bull, WeatherTech, and Bell Helmets, with Trackhouse Racing offering a lucrative contract for the 2025 season.
Unlike many Cup drivers, van Gisbergen brings a global audience to NASCAR, which has expanded his commercial appeal far beyond the US market.
A Global Mindset Behind the Wheel
Van Gisbergen’s background in Supercars has gifted him with a natural sense of braking and cornering that outpaces many of his NASCAR peers. While others rely heavily on data, he often drives by feel, a skill honed on street circuits and under wildly varied weather conditions.
In preparation for his win in Mexico City, he even consulted Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen for tips on handling wet road courses. The result was a commanding performance that showcased his adaptability and racecraft.
NASCAR’s Most Unlikely Star?
Shane van Gisbergen’s rise is proof that experience, resilience, and global perspective can outmatch youth and tradition. At 36, he is not just a road-course ace, he is a symbol of NASCAR’s evolving identity.
With family support, growing wealth, and unmatched talent, van Gisbergen is not only here to stay, he may be on track to become a Cup Series champion.
Team Penske NASCAR Cup Series Race Report – Sonoma – Speedway Digest
AUSTIN CINDRIC No. 2 AMERICA’S TIRE FORD MUSTANGSTART: 24TH STAGE 1: 26TH STAGE 2: 26TH FINISH: 30TH POINTS: 20TH RACE RUNDOWN: Austin Cindric and the No. 2 America’s Tire Ford Mustang Dark Horse team showed flashes of strong pace throughout Sunday’s race at Sonoma Raceway, but multiple on-track incidents and late-race damage ultimately led to […]
RACE RUNDOWN: Austin Cindric and the No. 2 America’s Tire Ford Mustang Dark Horse team showed flashes of strong pace throughout Sunday’s race at Sonoma Raceway, but multiple on-track incidents and late-race damage ultimately led to a 30th-place result. Cindric took the green flag from the 24th position and worked his way forward during the opening run, climbing to 19th with 10 laps remaining in Stage 1. He pitted on Lap 21 for four tires and fuel. After short pitting, he ended Stage 1 in 26th and reported that he needed more drive. The No. 2 restarted 16th when Stage 2 went green on Lap 30, and Cindric pitted again just before the stage conclusion and finished the segment in 26th while managing right-front locking. The team noted a slight pop in the hood and a hole in the left front fender from earlier contact, but stayed on track. Cindric lined up 16th for the start of the final stint and was running 15th when a multi-car incident brought out the caution on Lap 62. He pitted for four fresh tires and fuel under yellow but restarted deep in the field in 30th. With 38 laps to go, Cindric had worked back up to 27th, and by Lap 87, he was running in fourth when a caution reset the field with 15 laps remaining. A chaotic restart with 11 laps to go saw Cindric sustain damage to his America’s Tire Ford. He restarted 25th with seven laps remaining but reported increasing difficulty turning right, eventually noting the steering wheel was more than an inch off-center. The team brought him to pit road to assess the toe alignment. The 26-year-old driver returned to the track and took the checkered flag in 30th.
CINDRIC’S THOUGHTS: “The team did a good job sticking with it all day. Just unfortunate we couldn’t come away with a better result after the effort.”
RYAN BLANEY No. 12 MENARDS/DELTA FORD MUSTANG START: 7TH STAGE 1: 8TH STAGE 2: 9TH FINISH: 36TH POINTS: 7TH
RACE RUNDOWN: Ryan Blaney started seventh and finished 36th in Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway in California. Blaney would move his way into the top five by lap 14 and would be running laps equivalent to the race leaders. He would pit on lap 21 prior to the stage break for tires, fuel and minor adjustments. Blaney would cross the finish line in the eighth position in Stage 1. After pit stops, Blaney would start Stage 2 from the fourth position but would fall back to eighth after a slight off in turn 4. Blaney would recover lost ground and drive back to third position near the conclusion of the stage. The No. 12 crew would flip the stage again and Blaney would come home in the ninth position. With solid track position and stage points, Blaney would restart the final segment inside the top five. Unfortunately, he would be pushed off the track in turn 1, which sent the Menards/Delta Ford Mustang Dark Horse into the dirt. He would lose a lap in the process of getting back going. Blaney would eventually get the free pass back onto the lead lap but would be involved in an incident ending his day late.
BLANEY’S THOUGHTS: “We had a really good Menards/Delta Ford Mustang. Unfortunately, bad luck got us a couple times. We’ll move on to Dover.”
RACE RUNDOWN: Joey Logano started his Autotrader Ford Mustang Dark Horse from the 22nd starting position and finished ninth in Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway. Logano would slowly work his way forward battling a loose Autotrader Ford. Taking care of his rear Goodyear tires, Logano would drive up to 18th near the end of Stage 1. Like so many others, Logano would flip the stage and pit for service prior to the Stage 1 conclusion. He would finish Stage 1 in the 28th position. Progress would continue to be made as Logano drove from 18th to 13th in Stage 2. He would flip the stage again and come home in the 28th position. With varying strategies at the end, Logano would avoid multiple late race cautions to bring home his fifth top 10 finish of 2025.
LOGANO’S THOUGHTS: “Solid day for the Autotrader Ford Mustang. We battled a loose condition and Paul (Wolfe) and the guys did a great job working on it. We avoided the carnage and brought home a decent finish.”
The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Dover Motor Speedway for the Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 on Sunday, July 20. Coverage from Dover begins at 2:00 p.m. ET on TNT, PRN and Sirius XM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.
RACE RESULTS: Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Using an average of rankings between Racing America On SI’s Toby Christie and Joseph Srigley, here’s where all 36 full-time NASCAR Cup Series drivers stand heading into this weekend’s race at Dover Motor Speedway. Estimated Reading Time: 9 minutes 1. Chase Elliott A third-place run at Sonoma keeps the […]
Using an average of rankings between Racing America On SI’s Toby Christie and Joseph Srigley, here’s where all 36 full-time NASCAR Cup Series drivers stand heading into this weekend’s race at Dover Motor Speedway.
Estimated Reading Time: 9 minutes
1. Chase Elliott
A third-place run at Sonoma keeps the momentum rolling for Chase Elliott, who now has four top-five finishes over his last five starts. (Previously: 2nd)
2. Tyler Reddick
With a sixth-place finish, Reddick’s $1 million dreams in the NASCAR In-Season Challenge stay alive. He’ll face Ty Gibbs in the next round, riding top-10 finishes in his last three races. (Previously: 3rd)
3. Ty Gibbs
There’s a major momentum shift in the NASCAR Cup Series, right now, and after a dismal start to the season, Ty Gibbs is looking poised once again to capitalize and take his first win in the NASCAR Cup Series. It didn’t come on Sunday, finishing seventh, but the No. 54 is definitely in contention in the races coming up. (Previously: 6th)
4. Denny Hamlin
It wasn’t the type of afternoon for Denny Hamlin that we’ve become accustomed to on the road courses, with the No. 11 team barely scraping together a top-20 finish, after spending much of the afternoon running 25th or worse. Not a great momentum builder for the JGR team. (Previously: 1st)
5. Alex Bowman
A heart-breaking last-lap shove from Ty Dillon ended Alex Bowman’s bid to win the $1 million In-Season Tournament, but Bowman keeps registering respectable finishes to strengthen his Playoff hopes. (Previously: 4th)
6. Chase Briscoe
Despite calling Sonoma Raceway his worst road course on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule, Chase Briscoe followed in the footsteps of Martin Truex, Jr. and the No. 19 team of old, to finish second – ending up “best of the rest” behind Shane van Gisbergen. (Previously: 12th)
7. Ryan Preece
I don’t know when he became a road racer, but it’s been interesting to see Ryan Preece go from out to lunch at these styles of track to being one of the better drivers in the garage. Between Stage Wins, a top-10 finish at the Chicago Street Course and a 12th at Sonoma despite gobs of damage, Preece has certainly improved. (Previously: 8th)
8. Chris Buescher
Chris Buescher didn’t make many friends on Sunday, but that’s life without a win this late in the regular-season. The pressure is certainly on for Buescher and anyone else still trying to secure a Playoff berth. (Previously: 5th)
9. Christopher Bell
After a disappointing Chicago Street Course race, Christopher Bell returned to his usual road course form at Sonoma, notching a fifth-place finish for the No. 20 Toyota Camry XSE, despite a mid-race spin from the Norman, Oklahoma-native. (Previously: 10th)
10. Shane van Gisbergen
This shouldn’t be a surprise. He won the pole by a quarter of a second, and lead a record-breaking number of laps on Sunday, and now Shane Van Gisbergen is tied with Christopher Bell, Denny Hamlin, and Kyle Larson as the winningest drivers in the NASCAR Cup Series this year. (Previously: 16th)
11. William Byron
Finally. William Byron had a decent day and was able to limit the bleeding that he has been doing in his quest for the regular-season championship. (Previously: 14th)
12. Joey Logano
Joey Logano finished ninth on Sunday, his first top-10 finish since Nashville and his fifth in the first 20 races of the season. We’re starting to see a few more consistent, strong showings from the No. 22 team, but can it build towards another deep Playoffs run? (Previously: 15th)
13. Kyle Larson
It was another forgettable day for Kyle Larson, who was the defending race winner at Sonoma. Larson attempted to stay on track to win Stage 2, but was still passed by SVG, who flipped the Stage. In the end, Larson crashed and finished 35th. He has one top-10 in his last five starts. (Previously: 7th)
14. Kyle Busch
Another top-10 finish for Kyle Busch, who continues to ride the longest losing streak of his NASCAR Cup Series career. Road course season has given the driver and his fanbase some hope that a win could be near. (Previously: 18th)
15. Ryan Blaney
Sunday was a struggle for Ryan Blaney despite earning stange points in both stages, involved in a mid-race incident before falling out of the race four laps shy of the finish in another crash. It is Blaney’s seventh DNF of the season, and his second in three weeks. (Previously: 11th)
16. Ross Chastain
Ross Chastain spent the first little bit of Sunday’s event near the front of the pack, but after providing a punt to his teammate Daniel Suarez, the No. 1 Chevrolet wasn’t really anywhere to be seen for the rest of the afternoon. Ultimately, the Trackhouse Racing driver finished in 24th. (Previously: 13th)
17. AJ Allmendinger
A.J. Allmendinger started fifth, but finished 16th and didn’t record any stage points on Sunday at Sonoma. It wasn’t an eye-catching result for one of the drivers to watch on road courses, but it was a good recovery after a stage two spin. (Previously: 17th)
18. Erik Jones
Yikes. After a great push back toward Playoff relevance, Erik Jones has taken a step back this weekend with a subpar 29th-place finish. (Previously: 9th)
19. Brad Keselowski
Another week, another solid result for Brad Keselowski. He navigated through road course season well, and came home with an 11th-place finish at Sonoma. Keselowski and Jeremy Bullins will now focus on winning a race. (Previously: 20th)
20. Michael McDowell
Michael McDowell notched his second top-five finish of the season, and his best result of the year. Sunday’s fourth-place finis bettered a P5 at Mexico City last month. (Previously: 23rd)
21. John Hunter Nemechek
He advanced to the next round of the NASCAR In-Season Tournament. That’s about all there is to say after a 28th-place finish for JHN at Sonoma. (Previously: 19th)
22. Ty Dillon
The Ty Dillon NASCAR In-Season Challenge Cinderella story continues. Dillon passed Alex Bowman on the last turn of the last lap to knock out the Hendrick Motorsports driver, setting up a matchup with John Hunter Nemechek next week at Dover. (Previously: 25th)
23. Zane Smith
After a good qualifying run and spending much of the race inside the top-15, an off-track excursion pushed the No. 38 Front Row Motorsports car down the running order, a penalty that Smith never really recovered from. 27th certainly isn’t what the Ryan Bergenty-led team was looking for. (Previously: 22nd)
24. Josh Berry
Josh Berry snapped a skid of back-to-back DNFs with a 13th-place finish on Sunday at Sonoma. It was the best road course finish of Berry’s Cup career, and now he’s headed to the track of one of his best showings during a 2023 season that saw him make several relief appearances in the Cup Series. (Previously: 27th)
25. Bubba Wallace
Bubba Wallace’s string of poor finishes continued on Sunday, as he was involved in a late spin and finished 26th. He’s now just three points to the good on the playoff cutline, fighting for his postseason life entering Dover. (Previously: 21st)
26. Justin Haley
Justin Haley finished 15th, his best showing since Texas in May. He also set the fastest lap of Sunday’s race, picking up the Xfinity Fastest Lap bonus point. (Previously: 32nd)
27. Austin Cindric
Since a top-10 at Pocono, Austin Cindric has finishes of 38th, 27th and 30th. After being so impressive on the road courses during his tenure in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and earlier in his Cup career, it’s been surprising to see his results on those tracks this year. (Previously: 24th)
28. Daniel Suarez
Daniel Suarez ended up 14th after getting turned in the middle of the event on Sunday, and while that isn’t the race-winning performance he recorded in 2022, it’s a solid one considering the couple of weeks he’s had regarding his employment status for 2026. (Previously: 34th)
29. Austin Dillon
Kyle Busch has started clicking off some decent runs, Austin Dillon, his teammate, desperately needs to find some success. (Previously: 30th)
30. Carson Hocevar
Carson Hocevar suffered a late-race off-track excursion after contact with Josh Berry, relegating him to 32nd place. That gives the Michigan driver back-to-back finishes outside the top 30 during the road course doubleheader. (Previously: 26th)
31. Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
Whatever golden horseshoe Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. and HYAK Motorsports had stashed away to continue rattling off solid finishes has not only broken but left a nasty puncture wound. The No. 47 team went from being in post-season contention to struggling to hold onto a spot inside the top-25 in points, a result of several poor finishes in the last two months. (Previously: 29th)
32. Cole Custer
This season, the trademark for Cole Custer and Haas Factory Team (aside from a couple of breakout runs) has been their quiet consistency. With a quiet 22nd-place finish this afternoon at Sonoma, the No. 41 team continued that trend on Sunday. (Previously: 33rd)
33. Riley Herbst
One week after his first top-20 in eight races at Chicago, Riley Herbst finished 25th at Sonoma. He’ll look to get things turned around next week at Dover. (Previously: 31st)
34. Cody Ware
A week after a devastating crash at the Chicago Street Course, Cody Ware suffered a detached wheel and finished 34th, 2 laps down at Sonoma. (Previously: 28th)
35. Todd Gilliland
It’s nothing flashy, but a 22nd-place finish for Todd Gilliland and the No. 34 team is an improvement over the way the Front Row Motorsports team has been performing lately, with lots of bad luck on their side. Gilliland is typically strong on the road courses, though, so the team’s struggles are a bit puzzling. (Previously: 36th)
36. Noah Gragson
The hits just keep on coming for Noah Gragson and the No. 4 Front Row Motorsports team. Despite some optimism with a good run at a road course earlier this year at COTA, Gragson was nowhere to be seen on Sunday, and on a late restart, got turned by Austin Cindric and sent out of the race. (Previously: 35th)
NASCAR Cup Series champions Ryan Blaney, Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson to appear on Monster Monument at Victory Plaza on Sunday, July 20 before Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400
DOVER, Del. (July 14, 2025) – NASCAR Cup Series champions Ryan Blaney, Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson are scheduled to participate in interviews on the Monster Monument at Victory Plaza shortly before the Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, July 20. Blaney, the 2023 NASCAR champion, Elliott, the 2020 NASCAR champion and Larson, the 2021 NASCAR champion, highlight the […]
DOVER, Del. (July 14, 2025) – NASCAR Cup Series champions Ryan Blaney, Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson are scheduled to participate in interviews on the Monster Monument at Victory Plaza shortly before the Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday, July 20.
Blaney, the 2023 NASCAR champion, Elliott, the 2020 NASCAR champion and Larson, the 2021 NASCAR champion, highlight the dozens of driver appearances that will take place throughout the July 18-20 NASCAR tripleheader weekend in and around the Fan Zone, long cited as NASCAR’s best with countless free entertainment offerings and unexpected surprises.
Whether you’re a diehard NASCAR fan or a first-time visitor, there’s something for everyone this summer at The Monster Mile.
Fans can find a full schedule of announced Fan Zone attractions and shows as it’s updated at https://www.dovermotorspeedway.com/fans/fan-zone/. The Fan Zone opens at the following times each day:
Friday, July 18: Noon
Saturday, July 19 and Sunday, July 20: 9 a.m.
NEW ANNOUNCEMENTS MONSTER MONUMENT INTERVIEWS: See some of your favorite NASCAR drivers and personalities at the famous 46-foot Monster Monument at Victory Plaza on Sunday, July 20. Scheduled driver appearances at the Monster Monument include:
Chase Elliott, 11 a.m.: Driver of the No. 9 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
Kyle Larson, 11 a.m.: Driver of the No. 5 Chevrolet for Hendrick Motorsports
Ryan Blaney, 11:15 a.m.: Driver of the No. 12 Ford for Team Penske
Josh Berry, 11:15 a.m.: Driver of the No. 21 Ford for Wood Brothers Racing
Other driver appearances are planned throughout the property, including:
ARCA Menards Series Autograph Session, General Tire Display, Fan Zone, 3:30 p.m., Friday, July 18
Chase Briscoe Q&A, Miles Beach Stage, Noon, Saturday, July 19
Ryan Preece Q&A, Crown Royal Stage at Miles Beach, 12:15 p.m., Saturday, July 19
Matt DiBenedetto Q&A, Crown Royal Stage at Miles Beach, 1:45 p.m., Saturday, July 19
Daniel Dye, Lock-In (Your Tickets) Lounge, 2:15 p.m., Saturday, July 19
Ryan Blaney, Todd Gilliland, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., Guest Bartending, Miles Beach, presented by Visit Delaware (Times TBD)
Ryan Blaney, Todd Gilliland, John Hunter Nemechek, SCC-Dover Dunk Tank, Miles Beach, presented by Visit Delaware (Times TBD)
Ty Dillon, Guest Bartending, Miles Beach, presented by Visit Delaware, 6 p.m., Saturday, July 19
Ty Dillon, SCC-Dover Dunk Tank, Miles Beach, presented by Visit Delaware, Fan Zone, 6:15 p.m., Saturday, July 19
Justin Haley, Guest Bartending, Miles Beach, presented by Visit Delaware, Fan Zone, 6:15 p.m., Saturday, July 19
Justin Haley, SCC-Dover Dunk Tank, Miles Beach, presented by Visit Delaware, Fan Zone, 6:30 p.m., Saturday, July 19
Ross Chastain, Lock-In (Your Tickets) Lounge, 10 a.m., Sunday, July 20
Christopher Bell Q&A, Miles Beach Stage, 10:30 a.m., Sunday, July 20
Ryan Preece, Lock-In (Your Tickets) Lounge, 10:30 a.m., Sunday, July 20
Bubba Wallace Q&A, Crown Royal Stage at Miles Beach, 10:45 a.m., Sunday, July 20
Michael McDowell,Lock-In (Your Tickets) Lounge, 11:15 a.m., Sunday, July 20
Keep track of all the latest NASCAR weekend driver appearances at https://www.dovermotorspeedway.com/events/autotrader-echopark-automotive-400/appearances/.
LEVY FOOD TRUCKS | CONCESSIONS: Dover Motor Speedway’s hospitality partner Levy is providing the following delicious food and refreshing beverage options from your favorite regional spots throughout the weekend:
New York Pizza: Authentic, fresh New York-style pizza
Holy Smoked Meats: Smoked brisket, pork sandwiches, burgers and fries
Woodson’s Wrap Shack: Chef-inspired wraps and fresh cut fries
Wing King: Chef-inspired wings and burgers with fresh cut fries
Bunting’s Popcorn: Homemade popcorn/kettle corn, burgers, sausage sandwiches and pretzels
Zeny’s: Chicken tenders and fries, burgers, corndogs, Philly steaks
Philly Steak on a Roll: Authentic Philadelphia cheesesteaks
Martin’s Concessions: Crab cake sandwiches, Crab mac & cheese
Snell’s Ice Cream: Soft serve ice cream and desserts
Cup’R Cone: Homemade ice cream
Scoop O Dough: Homemade milkshakes and desserts
Lemonade Factory: Fresh-squeezed lemonade
Auntie Anne’s: Pretzels
Philly Pretzel: Homemade pretzels
Kona Ice: Flavored ice treats
Rita’s Italian Ice: Italian Ice
Travelling Tom’s Coffee: Fresh coffee
Boardwalk Specialties: All your beach favorites in one place
White’s Treats: Funnel cakes and chicken tenders
Talkin’s Funnel Cakes: Funnel cakes, candy
DANA KUNZE’S WATERSHOW PRODUCTIONS: The famed world champion high-diver brings spectacular shows to Miles Beach, presented by Visit Delaware. Daily performances to feature an assortment of springboard and tower diving, comedy, tumbling, trampoline acts and high dives reaching 80 feet. SHOWTIMES: Friday, 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 4:15 p.m.; Saturday, 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m.; Sunday, 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m.
SHARK WEEK DISPLAY: Discovery Channel’s popular Shark Week program series returns for its 37th year starting Sunday, July 20. Shark Week will have a large activation within Miles Beach, presented by Visit Delaware, including:
Giant shark inflatable provides the entrance to Miles Beach
A talented sand sculptor constructs a Shark Week-related masterpiece on Friday and Saturday to be ready for full display on Sunday.
Shark fin giveaways on Saturday and Sunday.
USO MILITARY VILLAGE PRESENTED BY WASTE MASTERS: Huge area open all weekend that displays our country’s finest military assets. Learn how this group assists service members and their families around the world. Check out various military vehicles and apparatus.
MAGICIAN NICK RAFF: Dazzling tricks to be on display throughout the Fan Zone all weekend from a performer with more than 300,000 TikTok followers.
BUBBA & THE GUMPS: Performing on the Crown Royal Stage at Miles Beach on Sunday, July 20, this powerhouse four-piece country/pop/rock/blues band hails from Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE MASCOTS/CHEER SQUADS: Blue Hen mascots YoUDee and Baby Blue, along with cheerleading teams, will entertain fans near the Monster Monument on Sunday, July 20.
BUMPER CARS: One of your favorite summer activities is back at the Fan Zone. Display your skills behind the wheel before watching America’s best drivers do the same around The World’s Fastest One-Mile Oval.
LET’S DO TRIVIA: Throughout the weekend, trivia games, music, and more will be available in Miles Beach, presented by Visit Delaware, and hosted by one of the region’s top pub-game providers.
SOUL CHASE: The premier reggae and funk band at the Maryland Eastern Shore beaches.
The centerpiece of the Fan Zone remains the previously announced Miles Beach, presented by Visit Delaware, area, a 1-acre showcase celebrating a “Monster Mile Summer” with attractions including:
600 tons of sand to help create Miles Beach along with a huge wood planked boardwalk
25-foot lighthouse designed for Dover Motor Speedway
The World’s Largest Rubber Duck
WHITE LIGHTNING Bar + Arcade, presented by BetRivers
Delicious traditional boardwalk food and refreshing beverages, including the State of Delaware’s official alcoholic drink, the famed Orange Crush!
Live appearances & performances all weekend long on the Crown Royal Stage at Miles Beach
Huge, 22-ton sand sculpture to kick off Shark Week on The Discovery Channel
Miles Beach Patrol to keep the party going armed with beach balls and other giveaways
Free beach-side caricaturist
Numerous selfie photo opportunities with Miles the Monster in beach-themed designs, large surfboards and imported palm trees
Dunk Tank, benefitting Speedway Children’s Charities, Dover Motor Speedway Chapter
Cornhole boards
Free Miles Beach posters (while supplies last) courtesy of Visit Delaware
Tiki tents, shade cabanas and comfortable Adirondack chairs
Miles Beach, presented by Visit Delaware, hours:
Thursday, July 17: 3-9 p.m.
Friday, July 18: Noon to 9 p.m.
Saturday, July 19: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Monster Mile Bash, presented by THOR, begins at 6 p.m.)
Sunday, July 20: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Other previously announced Fan Zone events and attractions include, in alphabetical order:
Amirrorcan Men
The Amazing Tyler: World famous balancing performer
Axe Throwing
Katie Whitley Cirque: Amazing fire performances that will wow fans of all ages.
The Bubble Factory: The amazing art of bubbles are brought to life with a blend of humor and showmanship
Cast In Bronze: Nationally recognized carillon performer featuring 35 bells, weighing four tons
The weekend’s racing centerpiece, the Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 NASCAR Cup Series race is race No. 4 in NASCAR on TNT’s debut five-race in-season tournament, which concludes July 27 in Indianapolis with a $1 million prize going to the winner.
2025 marks 56 consecutive years that Dover Motor Speedway has hosted a NASCAR Cup Series event. The Monster Mile is one of only 10 tracks in the country to host 100 or more NASCAR Cup Series races.
NASCAR TICKETS:
Dover Motor Speedway’s full 2025 race schedule includes:
Friday, July 18: General Tire 150 ARCA Menards Series race (5 p.m., FS1)
Saturday, July 19: BetRivers 200 NASCAR Xfinity Series race (4:30 p.m., The CW, Performance Racing Network)
Sunday, July 20: Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 NASCAR Cup Series race (2 p.m., TNT, Performance Racing Network)
Visit DoverMotorSpeedway.com to buy tickets or register for the Speedway’s email list to receive updates and announcements.
FOLLOW US:
Keep track of all of Dover Motor Speedway’s events by following on Facebook, X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, Instagram and TikTok (@MonsterMile). Keep up with all the latest information on DoverMotorSpeedway.com and our mobile app.
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