Dale Earnhardt Jr. was on the call as Bubba Wallace and Alex Bowman got into it near the end of the capped NASCAR Cup Series’ trip to Chicago once again. The 23XI Racing wheelman was spun by the Hendrick Motorsports driver after a battle for position late in the race in the Windy City.

The NASCAR Hall of Famer tried to make sense of what was going through the mind of both drivers during the latest episode of the Dale Jr. Download. Evidently, Bowman’s reaction surprised Earnhardt Jr. in the moment, but he didn’t have a problem with the way the No. 48 Chevrolet wheelman handled his business.

“Bubba Wallace and Alex Bowman got into it. This was an interesting one,” Earnhardt Jr. stated. “The battle was physical. Pretty crazy. “I was like, ‘Oh shit man.’ Bowman’s like, ‘No, man.’ Bubba took a couple of swipes, in the race car, Bubba was pretty aggressive. They banged off each other. Bubba pushed him through 12. I was like, ‘Oh man, I don’t know how Bowman’s going to respond to this. Is Bowman going to bow up?’

“Like, if Bowman gets knocked out of shape in a corner — every driver, you have an idea in your mind how they’ll react in that scenario. I saw a little more out of Bowman than I expected, in terms of reacting. … I thought it was good, hard, hard, hard racing. As physical as you could get without going over the line of being ridiculous or foolish. … Alex just decided, ‘My nose is in there, I’m going to leave it at this point.’”

Alas, Wallace and Bowman found themselves racing for position in the top 10 during the closing laps of Sunday’s race. The duo was beating and banging, looking as if either one could send the other spinning. It was Bowman who got the upper hand in the end, sending Wallace around in Turn 2 on Lap 70. Bowman finished eighth, Wallace P28. 

It’s also not the first time Wallace and Bowman have tangled. They always seem to get into each other’s business, especially at Chicago, where the 23XI Racing wheelman voiced his displeasure with the Hendrick driver last season, as well.

Regardless, Bubba Wallace might’ve woken up with a bit of regret, as he went from a potential top ten to a P28 finish, while in the middle of a tough points battle for the playoffs. A win could make all his troubles go away, but he hasn’t been able to find Victory Lane yet in 2025.

During the Chicago Street Race, Cody Ware slammed into a tire barrier at 93mph and as smoke poured out of his wrecked car, he radioed two chilling words: “Need help.”
But for nearly 35 seconds, nothing happened.

NASCAR didn’t throw the caution until Shane van Gisbergen took the white flag and the final lap was underway, effectively ending the race under yellow and avoiding an overtime restart. That’s now causing backlash from all over the racing world with many calling it unacceptable and dangerous.

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Cody Ware’s crash was on the last lap of the Chicago Street Race. A blown brake rotor left him unable to slow down into Turn 6 and he hit the barrier hard. Hard enough that drivers, analysts and fans all thought for sure a yellow would come. But it didn’t.

Also Read:: NASCAR points leaders today: Cup Series points leaders after Chicago

35 Seconds of Silence as Cody Called for Help

In-car audio captured Cody Ware’s voice asking for help. His window net was still up so he was still inside and potentially injured. Yet the race continued at full speed as he sat motionless in the runoff.
“It took NASCAR 35 seconds to throw a caution,” wrote reporter Seth Eggert. “Unreal. Unacceptable.”
Joseph Srigley, editor-in-chief at TobyChristie.com, was just as stunned: “That’s a brutal impact… I can’t believe that wasn’t an immediate caution.”But the delay has raised questions about safety protocols, and what could have happened if Ware couldn’t have walked away.

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Thankfully, Ware was able to walk away from the crash without serious injury. The Rick Ware Racing driver himself was surprised by the slow response. “Obviously, I’m not going anywhere, there’s not much I can do at that point,” Ware said after the race. “At that point I’m just focused on getting out of the car and getting to a safe spot.”

Several reports indicate that NASCAR officials did not know how serious the crash was and whether Cody Ware would manage to come out alone. Kind of like what happened to Kyle Larson at this same race last year
But this time it was different and the delay was much more costly in terms of public trust.

Now that the Chicago race is behind us, the fallout continues. NASCAR’s response time is being questioned again and we’re asking: why did it take a driver’s radioed plea, and 35 seconds, to realize something was seriously wrong?
The driver walked away this time. But next time it could cost more.

Also Read:: NASCAR results Chicago: NASCAR Cup Series stage results, Chicago Street Race winner

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• Hyundai aims to extend its commanding lead in the 2025 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge season at the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, following a strong podium finish at Watkins Glen

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., July 9, 2025 – Hyundai Motor America is heading north to Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (CTMP) for the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park 120 race, ready to build on the automaker’s remarkably successful 2025 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge (IMPC) season. With a commanding lead in the IMPC Manufacturers’ Championship and a string of impressive finishes, Hyundai is set to tackle the demanding Canadian circuit.

Hyundai’s pursuit of a sixth-consecutive Manufacturers’ Championship has been exceptionally successful so far this year. This season has been marked by victories at Daytona and Sebring, a historic 1-2-3 finish at Laguna Seca, and a dominant 1-2 finish at Mid-Ohio. The most recent outing at Watkins Glen International saw Victor Gonzalez Racing’s No. 99 Hyundai Elantra N TCR, piloted by Eric Powell and Tyler Gonzalez, secure a hard-fought second-place podium finish. This strong result was reinforced by the third-place finish of the No. 98 Bryan Herta Autosport (BHA) Elantra N TCR piloted by Parker Chase and Harry Gottsacker, underscoring Hyundai’s resilience in challenging conditions. Hyundai remains firmly in first position in the IMPC Manufacturers’ Championship.

CTMP (formerly Mosport) hosts a 2.459-mile, 10-turn road course located near Toronto known for its high-speed sections and significant elevation changes. The circuit provides a unique test for both drivers and cars. Hyundai has a strong history at CTMP, having previously secured victories and podiums at this iconic North American venue. The Elantra N TCR has consistently demonstrated its durability and speed, making it well-suited for the rigorous demands of this track.

Hyundai’s strong contingent of Elantra N TCR cars will be on track, including the championship-leading BHA entries and the podium-contending Victor Gonzalez Racing cars. Drivers are eager to leverage the platform’s proven performance along with their collective experience to continue Hyundai’s championship momentum.

The Canadian Tire Motorsport Park 120 is scheduled for Saturday, July 12, with the green flag set to wave at 1:25 PM ET. Live race coverage will be available on Peacock.

The No. 99 Hyundai Elantra N TCR of drivers Eric Powell and Tyler Gonzalez is photographed during the LP Building Solutions 120 in Watkins Glen, NY, June 21, 2025. (Photo/Bryan Herta Autosport/Richard Prince Photography)

 Hyundai Championship Standings

No. 99 Hyundai Elantra N TCR drivers Tyler Gonzalez and Eric Powell are photographed on the podium after the LP Building Solutions 120 in Watkins Glen, NY, June 21, 2025. (Photo/Bryan Herta Autosport/Richard Prince Photography)

IMSA TCR Manufacturer Standings

Hyundai Motor America
Hyundai Motor America offers U.S. consumers a technology-rich lineup of cars, SUVs, and electrified vehicles, while supporting Hyundai Motor Company’s Progress for Humanity vision. Hyundai has significant operations in the U.S., including its North American headquarters in California, the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama assembly plant, the all-new Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America, and several cutting-edge R&D facilities. These operations, combined with those of Hyundai’s 850 independent dealers, contribute $20.1 billion annually and 190,000 jobs to the U.S. economy, according to a published economic impact report. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com.

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23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports could lose their charter status and race as open teams as soon as next week at Dover Motor Speedway after the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals denied their request for a rehearing Wednesday.

The most significant aspect of the decision is that as open teams, 23XI Racing — co-owned by Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan — and Front Row Motorsports would receive significantly less money per race compared to charter teams. They also would not be guaranteed starting spots. However, there is not likely to be more than a full field of cars for many of the upcoming races.

“We are disappointed by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals decision to deny our request for a full rehearing,” Jeffrey Kessler, attorney for 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, said in a statement.

“This decision has no bearing on the strength of our antitrust case, which we look forward to presenting at trial. We are committed to racing this season as we continue to fight for more competitive and fair terms for all teams to ensure the future of the sport, and remain fully confident in our case.”

Kessler’s statement reaffirms what Hamlin told reporters June 7 at Michigan about 23XI Racing continuing to compete this season even if it became an open team.

“Same as what we said in December is that we’re committed to run this season open if we have to, even before they decided on the injunction,” Hamlin said then. “So we’re going to race and fulfill all of our commitments no matter what. We’re here to race. Our team is going to be here for the long haul and we’re confident of that.”

Hamlin’s comments came after a three-judge appellant panel vacated a preliminary injunction order June 5 that allowed 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports to run as chartered teams even though they did not sign the charter agreement last year.

RFK Racing’s Chris Buescher has scored three consecutive top-five finishes at Sonoma Raceway.

The teams requested a rehearing June 20 from the full Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. Had 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports not done so, the decision by the three-judge panel would have gone into effect a week later.

With Wednesday’s order, the appellant panel’s decision to vacate the preliminary injunction would go into effect next week — meaning the six cars of 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports could lose their charter status ahead of the July 20 Dover race.

23XI Racing has chartered teams for Tyler Reddick, Bubba Wallace and rookie Riley Herbst. Front Row Motorsports has chartered cars for Todd Gilliland, Zane Smith and Noah Gragson.

“We’re all just focused on our jobs and allowing the lawyers to kind of take care of that side,” Smith said in response to a question from NBC Sports on Wednesday afternoon. “We’re racers, not lawyers. I don’t know anything about that so I’m not going to act like I do. We’re excited to compete.

“With this charter change, we often don’t see 40-plus cars (per race) so I don’t know what it will look like … but I know I’ll still have the same tools every Saturday for practice and qualifying and same for the race and my seat is not going to change. Just trying to stack up some good runs and hopefully get (Front Row Motorsports car owner) Bob Jenkins a win here shortly.”

This will mark the second year in a row that the exhibition event will be held at the historic track.

23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports sought the injunction last year to run as charter teams despite not signing the charter agreement as 13 other Cup organizations did.

23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports didn’t sign the charter agreement because a clause in it that prohibited teams from suing NASCAR. The two teams stated that if they could not run as chartered teams they faced the possibility of losing sponsors and drivers.

In his argument for the preliminary injunction last November, Kessler stated in court, referring to Reddick: “So right here, for example, 23XI has a driver who might be the champion this year. He will be in the finals next week. Says if we do not have a charter, he is free to leave. He could be the number one driver. We will never be able to get him back if we do not have a charter.”

U.S. District Court Judge Kenneth D. Bell granted the preliminary injunction on Dec. 18, stating in his opinion that “NASCAR fans (and members of the public who may become fans) have an interest in watching all the teams compete with their best drivers and most competitive teams.”

The three-judge federal appellate panel gave an indication its decision was likely during a May 9 hearing. One of the judges stated in the hearing: “If you don’t want the contract, you don’t enter into it and you sue. Of if you want the contract, you enter into it and you’ve given up past releases. But … you can’t have your cake and eat it too.”

This matter is only a part of the lawsuit 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports filed against NASCAR and NASCAR CEO Jim France. The case is scheduled to go to trial Dec. 1.

NASCAR Cup Series

Next Race: Toyota / Save Mart 350

The Place: Sonoma Raceway

Track Length: 1.99 Mile Road Course

The Date: Sunday, July 13

The Time: 3:30 p.m. ET

The Purse: $11,055,250

TV: TNT, 3 p.m. ET

Radio: PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR (Channel 90)

Distance: 218.9 miles (110 Laps); Stage 1 (Ends on Lap 25),

Stage 2 (Ends on Lap 55), Final Stage (Ends on Lap 110)

NASCAR Xfinity Series

Next Race: Pit Boss / FoodMaxx 250

The Place: Sonoma Raceway

Track Length: 1.99 Mile Road Course

The Date: Saturday, July 12

The Time: 4:30 p.m. ET

The Purse: $1,651,939

TV: CW, 4 p.m. ET

Radio: PRN, SiriusXM NASCAR (Channel 90)

Distance: 156.95 miles (79 Laps); Stage 1 (Ends on Lap 20),

Stage 2 (Ends on Lap 45), Final Stage (Ends on Lap 79)

NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series

Next Race: TSport 200

The Place: Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park

Track Length: 0.686 Mile Asphalt Paved Oval

The Date: Friday, July 25

The Time: 8 p.m. ET

The Purse: $782,900

TV: FS1, 8 p.m. ET

Radio: NRN, SiriusXM NASCAR (Channel 90)

Distance: 137.2 miles (200 Laps); Stage 1 (Ends on Lap 60),

Stage 2 (Ends on Lap 120), Final Stage (Ends on Lap 200)