In the high-octane world of NASCAR, where sponsorships can make or break a team’s fortunes, Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing (RFK) finds itself navigating uncertain terrain at the dawn of 2026. The team, co-owned by six-time Cup Series winner Brad Keselowski, had long relied on the steady backing of Castrol, the iconic motor oil brand that powered their engines and adorned their cars since 2019. But as the new year unfolded, whispers of doubt swirled around their partnership, triggered by a massive ownership shakeup at Castrol’s parent company, BP.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

It all started on Christmas Eve 2025, when BP announced it was offloading a 65% majority stake in Castrol to Stonepeak, a New York-based investment firm, in a deal valued at around $6 billion—pushing Castrol’s total enterprise value to a staggering $10.1 billion. BP, grappling with a hefty $26.1 billion in net debt, saw the move as a lifeline, part of a broader $20 billion divestment strategy to slim down and strengthen its balance sheet.

Carol Howle, BP’s interim CEO, hailed the transaction: “We concluded a thorough strategic review of Castrol, which generated extensive interest and resulted in the sale of a majority interest to Stonepeak.” While BP retained a 35% minority share, control would shift to Stonepeak once the deal closed in about a year, transforming Castrol into a joint venture.

For RFK Racing, the news hit like a sudden caution flag. Castrol had been more than just a sponsor; it was a cornerstone of the team’s three-car operation—the No. 6 Ford driven by Keselowski, the No. 17 helmed by Chris Buescher, and the No. 60 piloted by newcomer Ryan Preece.

Over six seasons, the partnership had fueled six Cup Series victories, including Keselowski’s triumphant throwback scheme win at Darlington in 2024, and supported consistent playoff runs. Andreas Osbar, CEO of Castrol Americas, reflected on the collaboration’s success: “RFK has been at the forefront of innovation, testing and winning races with our Castrol MoreCircular engine oils since 2022. Putting our products to the test in extreme racing conditions has been critical.”

Yet, the ownership pivot cast a shadow over the future. The current agreement locked in Castrol’s support through the 2026 season, providing RFK with a buffer to revamp and chase victories after a winless 2025 campaign that left them hungry for redemption. But come 2027, when Stonepeak fully assumes the reins, the commitments would expire, forcing RFK to negotiate anew with the investment firm’s leadership.

Insiders noted that without strong on-track results—like a long-elusive Daytona 500 win for the recovering Keselowski, who vowed not to miss the iconic race despite a recent injury—the new owners might balk at renewing, potentially seeking fresher alliances elsewhere.

RFK president Steve Newmark had previously underscored Castrol’s value: “For years now, Castrol has been an integral part of our success both on and off the track. From product superiority to collaborations around sustainability… Castrol has ensured we operate at peak performance.”

As the team geared up for the 2026 opener, bolstered by other sponsors like Kroger and Fastenal, the uncertainty loomed like storm clouds over Daytona. Would Stonepeak see the same synergy that BP had nurtured, or would RFK need to scout new partners to keep their engines roaring? In NASCAR’s relentless pursuit of speed and stability, only time—and perhaps a few checkered flags—would tell.

RFK Racing faces a critical juncture as it navigates potential changes in its long-standing sponsorship with Castrol, following BP’s major ownership shakeup of the oil brand. The partnership, crucial for team operations since 2019, is now under threat as Castrol transitions to new ownership with Stonepeak Investments. While RFK is secure through the 2026 season, outlooks for future agreements remain uncertain, contingent on performance and new leadership priorities.

By the Numbers

• Castrol’s parent company BP sold a 65% stake for approximately $6 billion.
• RFK Racing secured six Cup Series victories during its partnership with Castrol, including one in 2024.

Yes, But

Despite Castrol’s historical support, RFK’s future negotiations could be challenged without strong performances on the track. The new ownership may seek different sponsorships if the team’s results do not align with their business strategy.

State of Play

• The partnership with Castrol is secured through the 2026 season, but expiration looms in 2027.
• RFK has other sponsors like Kroger and Fastenal, providing some financial stability amidst uncertainties.

What’s Next

As RFK races into the 2026 season, their success or failure in upcoming events could critically influence negotiations with Stonepeak. A strong showing could retain Castrol, while a lackluster performance might force the team to seek alternative partnerships.

Bottom Line

RFK Racing must capitalize on the 2026 season to establish a robust case for continued support from Castrol’s new owners and ensure stability in sponsorships to remain competitive in NASCAR.

The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) has purchased the Rockingham Speedway, one of the “most iconic and storied venues in American motorsports.”

The move reportedly reflects IHRA’s commitment to preserving motorsports heritage while thoughtfully reinvesting in legendary racing properties. Known worldwide as The Rock, Rockingham Speedway has played a pivotal role in NASCAR and American racing history for decades and remains deeply tied to the identity and pride of the City of Rockingham and Richmond County.

“IHRA recognizes what Rockingham Speedway means to this community and to motorsports fans around the world,” said Darryl Cuttell, owner of IHRA. “This is a special place with a strong foundation. Our goal is to be good stewards of the facility, respect its history, and work collaboratively to bring quality racing and entertainment back to The Rock.”

IHRA intends to restore Rockingham Speedway to its former glory while enhancing the venue as a multi-use destination. Planned improvements include facility upgrades, expanded fan amenities, and the addition of entertainment elements such as concerts and festival-style experiences alongside marquee racing events.

The Easter weekend NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series event will build on the momentum generated in 2025, when the series’ return to Rockingham delivered strong attendance, national television exposure, and renewed excitement around the historic track. The April weekend is expected to feature a full slate of on-track activity, including the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and ARCA Menards Series West, and fan-focused programming throughout the holiday weekend. 

As IHRA looks ahead, the organization anticipates collaborating with experienced event partners as part of its long-term planning for the facility. IHRA leadership noted that conversations are underway with respected industry operators, including Bob Sargent and Track Enterprises, as Rockingham Speedway is positioned for future events and opportunities beginning in 2026.

“For decades, The Rock has been one of our community’s most recognizable and celebrated tourism icons,” said Meghann Lambeth, executive director of the Richmond County Tourism Development Authority. “We’re proud to continue supporting Rockingham Speedway as it draws visitors to Rockin’ Richmond County under the new ownership of the International Hot Rod Association (IHRA).”

IHRA leadership emphasized that Rockingham Speedway will play a meaningful role in the organization’s broader strategy of revitalizing historic motorsports venues while creating sustainable, fan-focused experiences.

“This isn’t about changing what made Rockingham special,” Cuttell added. “It’s about investing in it, taking care of it, and making sure it continues to be a place where great racing and great memories are made.”

Additional announcements regarding the Easter weekend event, facility enhancements, and future schedules will be released in the coming months.

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Contributed.

Chevrolet revealed its revised NASCAR Cup Series bodywork in November, shortly after Kyle Larson secured his second Cup championship at Phoenix. The updated body draws inspiration from a performance accessories package developed for the street-going version of the car. On track, the Camaro race body will now carry a taller hood dome, a reshaped front grille, and reworked rocker panels.

Chevrolet explained that those elements mirror the Carbon Performance Package Accessories Kit, which features carbon-fiber components on the hood and rockers, along with a new grille and front splitter. The changes have already sparked renewed belief inside the walls of Hendrick Motorsports.

According to Jeff Gordon, the updated Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 could prove transformative when it makes its competitive debut at the season-opening Cook Out Clash exhibition at Bowman Gray Stadium. The new body underwent on-track testing in November, and the early indicators seemingly left the organization encouraged.

“When you’ve done what we’ve done with our car and our teams and one of those things is winning a lot of races and winning a championship, I get really excited when I think we’ve got something that’s an upgrade. I don’t want to get too caught up in that because sometimes, it takes time to fine-tune that change.”

Gordon acknowledged that HMS had been trailing some rivals in aerodynamic efficiency, particularly when comparing HMS Chevrolet entries to competitors. With the revised body now in hand, he believes the gap has closed. “I feel like we’ve gotten ourselves on a level playing field with them, so I’m very excited about that,” he said.

Though the visual changes appear restrained, their purpose runs deeper because the engineers designed the refinements to enhance stability and trim drag, a combination that could sharpen performance as Chevrolet aims to extend its run of five consecutive manufacturer championships. Improved airflow management should translate into greater downforce and a steadier balance at speed.

Chevrolet first introduced the Camaro ZL1 to NASCAR competition in 2018, replacing the outgoing Chevy SS. The body evolved into the Camaro ZL1 1LE in 2020, before transitioning to a Next Gen version when the platform arrived in the Cup Series two years later. On the consumer side, Chevrolet closed the chapter on the passenger-car Camaro after the 2024 model year.

Dale Jr. is skeptical about the new Chevy model

While many teams welcome the update, Dale Earnhardt Jr. finds himself split between anticipation and caution. The JR Motorsports co-owner, who plans another Daytona 500 entry in 2026, admitted the announcement unsettled him. His unease does not stem from budget or preparation but from the uncertainty that accompanies a brand-new body.

From a financial perspective, Junior views the timing as favorable, offering a chance to compete without bleeding resources. Still, the unknowns are haunting. He noted that when manufacturers roll out a new body, early returns at Daytona rarely come easily. Teams must first learn how that shape behaves in race trim, and without inside knowledge of the finer details, he said he will have to take the results as they come.

History also supports his concern. Fresh body designs often force teams into an early-season learning curve, deciphering aerodynamic traits under pressure. The task extends beyond power or mechanical grip, demanding balance where airflow and stability intersect. Manufacturers also tend to prioritize intermediate tracks when refining new bodies, a reality that explains Junior’s apprehension heading into superspeedway competition.

In the quiet weeks after the 2025 Formula 1 season ended—a heart-pounding campaign that saw Max Verstappen fall just two points short of a fifth consecutive world title—the Dutch superstar sat down for his traditional end-of-year interview with Viaplay.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

The lights were soft, the questions probing, and as always, Max was candid. But one topic stood out amid reflections on epic comebacks and near-misses: his relationship with Christian Horner, the man who had been Red Bull’s team principal for two decades until his shock sacking midway through the year.

The interviewer leaned in. “Christian’s departure was huge for the team. Do you still keep in touch with him?”

Max paused for a moment, a small smile crossing his face as he thought back to the battles they had shared—especially that ferocious 2021 title fight against Lewis Hamilton, where Horner had backed him through every controversy and corner.

“Yeah,” Max replied simply. “Every week. Every race.”

The room seemed to hold its breath. In a sport where loyalties shift like tire compounds, this was a revelation. Horner had been ousted in July, replaced by Laurent Mekies amid internal turmoil and a dip in performance. Many assumed bridges had been burned. But no.

“We text a lot,” Max continued. “On Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays during the weekends. He’s still my biggest fan—sending messages like ‘Good luck’ or ‘I’m believing in you.’ We talk about the races, sure, but also about everything we’ve been through together. Christian went through fire for me back in the day. Those moments, especially 2021… you never forget that.”

He spoke with genuine warmth, no bitterness toward the team’s decision to move on. “Things weren’t going well for a while—results, some unrest—and the shareholders wanted change. It’s business. But what we built? That’s personal.”

As the interview wrapped, Max’s words lingered like exhaust in the air. In the high-pressure world of F1, where team principals come and go and drivers chase glory under new banners, some connections prove unbreakable. Horner might no longer be in the garage, calling the shots from the pit wall, but every race weekend, a buzz on Max’s phone reminded him: the bond was still there, fueling him forward into 2026 and beyond.

And in a season of dramatic twists, perhaps the most enduring story wasn’t on the track — it was the quiet loyalty between a four-time champion and the boss who helped forge him.

The sun has risen on a landmark year for Team Penske, which will be celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2026.

Kickstarting this momentous occasion, team founder and owner Roger Penske penned a touching letter to team members and fans, taking a moment to step back and thank their supporters in all racing series’ for their “unwavering support” throughout the team’s trophy-laden existence.

The 88-year-old, who raced in Formula 1, the 12 Hours of Sebring, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans prior to founding his own team, will soon see his NASCAR, IndyCar, IMSA, and FIA World Endurance Championship teams embark on a new season, throughout which they will be relying on what he described as “unmatched” loyalty and “unparalleled” dedication.

“Fans are the lifeblood of our sport, and the passion and fervor you display are key to driving Team Penske forward each season,” Penske said. “From Daytona to Indianapolis, Darlington to Long Beach, Detroit to Miami and many more, you continue to amaze us with your terrific and steady support.

“Professional sports will always have its ups and downs, but your support has been unwavering. We remain as committed to you as you are to us.”

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Penske went on to reflect on his team’s humble beginnings in Pennsylvania, first taking to the track in March 1966 with the 12 Hours of Sebring, where the team’s No. 9 entry finished first in class and ninth overall, before entering the 24 Hours of Daytona that June, again topping their class in the No. 6 with a 12th-place overall finish.

“I’ve said this many times, but the real key to Team Penske’s success and longevity is the people,” Penske wrote. “We call it our human capital. It is the magic behind 48 championships, over 650 wins, 700 pole positions, 20 Indianapolis 500 victories, a win in Formula 1, three 24 Hours of Daytona wins and five NASCAR Cup Series championships since 2012.

“More than 100 talented drivers, countless crew members, teammates and partners, along with you, the fans, have all helped to propel those accomplishments, among others.”

Despite this laundry list of remarkable accomplishments, Penske believes “the best is still to come,” making it clear that the team will not be resting on its laurels. “My father taught me the phrase Effort Equals Results many years ago,” he said. “It will take hard work to continue the legacy of so many that have embodied that phrase over the years.

“From everyone at Team Penske, we thank you for being an integral part of our success. Your trust in our people and belief in our culture is at the heart of our story. We could not do it without each of you.”

Penske’s landmark season is soon set to kick off with the Rolex 24 at Daytona, running from January 24 through the 25. The team will then return to the historic Florida venue the following month for NASCAR’s Cup Series opener on the 15th with the Daytona 500. However, it will first take part in the annual non-points scoring season opener Cook Out Clash, which will be held at Bowman Gray Stadium on February 1.