The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series opener at Daytona International Speedway is a matter of weeks away, and this latest edition has, so far, four open teams seeking qualification.

Along with the 36 chartered teams – up from 30, thanks to the settlement between 23XI Racing, Front Row Motorsports, and NASCAR, which reinstated the two teams’ combined six full-time rides – Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s JR Motorsports, Jimmie Johnson’s Legacy Motor Club, Garage 66, and Live Fast Motorsports are all set to field open rides.

JRM, an O’Reilly’s Series dominant force in recent years, will return for what would be its second-ever Cup Series race with Justin Allgaier behind the wheel of the No. 40 Traveller Whiskey Chevrolet. Last season, the 2014 Xfinity Series champion qualified for the 500 in the No. 40., going on to finish a very respectable ninth.

“It’s definitely special to be able to make another run at the Daytona 500 with Traveller Whiskey, Chris Stapleton, Dale, Kelley and everyone at JR Motorsports,” Allgaier said in a statement. “Last year was such an amazing experience and I am just thankful to be the one that gets to be behind the wheel of this No. 40. We had such a great time last year and I can’t wait to get down there and do it all again.”

Legacy, which is set to field two charters in 2026, will also see seven-time champion Johnson pull on the race suit once more as he returns in search of his third career 500 win. The 50-year-old managed to not only qualify in the No. 84 Carvana Toyota in 2025, but manage a remarkable third-place finish in the event.

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Johnson teased his impending participation in a hilarious Bob Ross-inspired social media video in which he hinted at the paint scheme Legacy had planned for Daytona.

“Carvana has been an incredible partner, and every season we’ve found new ways to celebrate what makes racing so special,” Johnson explained. “This year’s scheme is sharp, it’s fresh, and I can’t wait for fans to see it on the track in Daytona.”

Representing Garage 66 will be 2007 Coca-Cola 600 winner Casey Mears, who returned from a five-year Cup Series absence last season with the team to make five appearances, including a season-best finish of 18th at Talladega Superspeedway. The 47-year-old’s return was confirmed by team owner Carl Long on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, as per Joseph Srigley.

Daytona won’t be an outlier for Garage 66, however, with Long stating that the team intends to run in the region of 26 Cup Series races this upcoming season with multiple drivers. This will begin with the non-points-scoring Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on February 1, where either Josh Bilicki or Chad Finchum will pilot the No. 66 Ford.

As for Live Fast, details surrounding their intended entry remain slim, although according to Racing Territory, B.J. McLeod will attempt to qualify for his fourth 500 in six years in the No. 78 Chevrolet, having failed the last two seasons.

Land of Legends Raceway delivered fans of the Ontario County half-mile an early Christmas gift, sharing the projected 2026 season schedule.

One highlight — jumping to the end of the season — is the return of the Gerald Haers Memorial; the eighth running of the tribute race will again offer $10,000 to win. The GHM Weekend will include annual running of the Les Whyte Memorial Top Gun Shootout, held on the Friday prior to “The Gerald.” The two-day show is scheduled for Sept. 18-19.

The Super DIRTcar Series will visit Land of Legends twice in 2026, and there will be three mid-week events scheduled, including SummerFAST.

The season is scheduled for open practice April 25 before opening on May 2.

The season kickoff will feature all weekly divisions: Modifieds, Sportsman 305 Sprints, Street Stock, Hobby Stocks and New Legends.

The first of three CRSA Sprint Touring events is scheduled for Mothers Day Weekend, on May 9.

The CRSA returns in a twinbill with the Super DIRTcar Series on Thursday, July 2, during the Stars and Stripes Spectacular. The SDS crew will battle through a 76-lap SDS feature.

On Wednesday, July 22, the Northeast DIRT Sportsman Series will be the headline attraction during the mid-week Ontario County Fair Championship program, with the New Legends racing on the undercard. July 25 is an off week in lieu of the fair. This is the first time the Sportsman division has been the highlight of the OCFS racing program.

Land of Legends Raceway’s SummerFAST date falls on Aug. 18, with a 60-lap feature and the Sportsman will be racing as well.

New Legends wrap their season on Aug. 29.

The regular points-paying season will conclude Sept. 5, with the Modifieds, Sportsman, 305 Sprints, Hobby Stocks and Street Stocks each crowning their division champion on a single evening.

The calendar allows three off Saturdays: June 20, July 25 for the fair and Aug. 15.

Stay tuned to www.LandofLegendsRaceway.com for more details.

Allentown challenge can be worth $10K

The ninth running of the Allentown Indoor races will feature a chance to pocket a $5,000 bonus.

Scheduled for Jan. 9-19, the bonus is on the line for a driver who can sweep both TQ features.

In 2024, Tanner VanDoren and Ryan Flores split the features; earlier this year, Flores won the first main and ran second to Andy Jankowiak in the Saturday feature. The success of the weekend was not dampened by missing the bonus, but that kind of influx of cash early in the season would have been a nice shot in the arm.

Friday’s winner will be offered a guaranteed spot in Saturday’s feature — accepting is worth $1,000 alone. The catch is that the guaranteed spot is 10th on Saturday’ grid. Advancing to win will activate the $4,000 bonus balance, and combined with the $5,000 winner’s share in scheduled payout, the winner’s take will be $10,000.

If the bonus is not collected, a portion will roll over to the Atlantic City Indoor race. With his win in the Gambler’s Classic in 2025, Flores collected $10,000 in winnings.

The headline TQ Midget division will be joined by Slingshots and Champ Karts, with full programs and feature events for all three classes. This year, the card will include the Will Cagle Shootout, a 15-lap race where the top 10 in qualifying will choose their starting positions. The pole will pay $240 to win; each position farther back on the initial grid offers an extra $120 to win. Someone choosing 10th and winning will take $1,320 for 15 laps of work.

Lower level reserved ticket holders will be invited to a pre-race FanFest. Racing is scheduled for 7 p.m. each night. Ticket information and special hotel rates at The Americus and Renaissance hotels are available through links at IndoorAutoRacing.com.

The Indoor series will head to Atlantic City for the Gamblers Classic on Jan. 30, and then CURE Insurance Arena in Trenton, N.J. Feb. 20-21.

Outlaw Banquet scheduled for Feb. 28

The 10th Annual Outlaw Speedway Awards Banquet will be Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Harbor Hotel in downtown Watkins Glen.

The top point finishers in each adult division will receive trophies and point fund payouts. Youth division drivers will receive trophies. To be eligible, drivers must have competed in at least half the events in 2025, and must be present to receive their post-season laurels.

Additional awards will be shared across the divisions, including Rookie of the Year, Sportsmanship, Dedication to Motorsports, Media and Sponsor Awards. Several employees will be recognized, as well.

Cocktail hour begins at 5 p.m.; a prime rib buffet will follow at 6 p.m. Tickets are priced at $48/person and limited to just the first 300. Visit OutlawSpeedwayllc.com for details.

Utica-Rome adopts DIRTcar Sanction for ‘26

Utica-Rome Speedway has announced the oval will race under DIRTcar sanctioning in 2026.

Remaining on Fridays, the track will feature DIRTcar 358-Modifieds, DIRTcar 602 Sportsman, and DIRTcar Pro Stocks. The Limited Sportsman will race unsanctioned, but will follow the DIRTcar Sportsman rules.

The Limited Sportsman will see two exceptions as an unsanctioned division. First, the cars will not be required to have fire bottles. Engine verification, for that class, is also not required. Drivers in that division will be eligible to secure a DIRTcar membership to benefit from DIRTcar’s insurance coverage.

Utica-Rome Speedway will host five big block modified events. Those five events will be run under the DIRTcar rules and procedures. The events will pay points toward the DIRTcar Hoosier Weekly Points program.

Racing community mourns the loss of DeVoreLyle DeVore, promoter of Albany-Saratoga Speedway, passed earlier this month.

After being diagnosed with cancer in 2022, DeVore poured his soul into racing, tending to Albany-Saratoga Speedway while working diligently to grow short-track racing.

DeVore was exposed to racing early, and the Malta oval has been the backdrop for most of his life, visiting the track at the age of six, where he helped clean the facility after race nights. He was hired as the promoter of the oval in 2012.

He was a multi-time winner of the “Promoter of the Year” award.

Photo: PMNA

Porsche Motorsport North America and K1 Speed have announced a multi-year partnership that offers champion kart racers an opportunity to enter the North American Porsche Motorsport Pyramid through Porsche Sprint Challenge North America or Porsche Sprint Challenge USA West.

Under the new agreement, Porsche Motorsport branding will appear at all 72 K1 Speed karting centers in the U.S. K1 Speed decals will appear on the front bumper of cars in Porsche Carrera Cup North America, Porsche Sprint Challenge North America, Porsche Sprint Challenge USA West and Porsche Endurance Challenge North America.

“K1 Speed hosts thousands of motorsports enthusiasts each year and all of us at PMNA look forward to connecting with them,” said Porsche Motorsport North America President and CEO Volker Holzmeyer.

“Whether they are casual fans of motorsport or are searching for a path into professional racing, we are excited to introduce them all to the Porsche Motorsport Pyramid and the opportunities that it offers.”

Known for their arrive-and-drive programs, K1 Speed offers a competitive race series each month where drivers can earn points at their local facility.

Top finishers are able to advance to state, and ultimately national level competition.

As a result of their new partnership, PMNA and K1 Speed will select two drivers from the pool of top racers who reach the national level – one from the teen class and one from the adult class – for whom the entry fee for a future Sprint Challenge or USA West season will be waived.

“It’s an immense honor for K1 to partner with Porsche Motorsport North America to provide up-and-coming American racers with an extraordinary opportunity,” said K1 Speed and K1 Circuit founder and CEO David Danglard.

“We built K1 on the belief that future champions start here, and this partnership with Porsche creates a pathway to take them from our indoor tracks to the country’s greatest circuits.”

The latest sports car racing news from trusted series, manufacturer and team sources based around the world.

New Jersey Motorsports Park (NJMP) announces a 2026 event and entertainment schedule that includes something for everyone. From car and motorcycle races, both modern and vintage, to food truck festivals, obstacle runs, motocross, and the return of Monster Trucks on Father’s Day weekend, NJMP’s 500-acre complex is the premier entertainment and event destination in southern New Jersey.

On-Track Racing

Kicking off the 2026 on-track schedule is the SCCA U.S Majors, the pinnacle of amateur racing, on May 1 – 3. Then the return of the crowd-favorite, Real Hoopties of New Jersey 24 Hours of Lemons endurance weekend, June 6 – 7, promises a zany and outlandish weekend where cars bought and modified for $500 compete in an endurance race around Thunderbolt Raceway.

Later in the month, on June 26 – 28, the American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association holds its Vintage Motorcycle Festival, featuring vintage racing on restored historic vehicles and epic sidecar racing! Then, keeping in line with the vintage racing, the Vintage Racer Group is new to the NJMP schedule in 2026 and will offer a weekend of vintage cars on track on July 10 – 12.

Formula cars with the ultra-fast F4 and Formula Americas championships are making their way back to South Jersey with the return of the New Jersey Lottery SpeedTour with SVRA on July 31 – August 2.

Two club racing events, while not new to NJMP, are making their first appearance on NJMP’s main event schedule this year! First is the Schattenbaum Showdown on August 7 – 9, and then the NASA NE & NASA Mid-Atlantic Summer Sizzle event on August 14 – 16.

Closing out the month of August will be the return of ASRA Racing on August 28 – 30 on Thunderbolt Raceway.

September 25 – 27 will excite bike enthusiasts with the MotoAmerica Superbikes at New Jersey season finale featuring our country’s top professional motorcycle racers, as well as the ever-popular King of The Baggers series.

That’s not all that September has to offer; there is one more event to be announced that is sure to excite NJMP fans.

To wrap up the on-track activity is the return of American Endurance Racing on November 13 – 14 with its 14-hour endurance race.

Off-Track Special Events

The thrills off-track begin with TOR Racing’s Thunderbolt GP on March 28 – 29 and end with their Hunter GP on November 21 – 22, both with their unique format combining trail-riding and motocross skills.

Those looking to stretch their legs can anticipate multiple fun runs with the MudGirl Run on June 20 and the Muddy Dash on August 8.

Monster Trucks at New Jersey will be returning to NJMP for Father’s Day weekend on June 20 and June 21. Various ticket options are available for this jaw-dropping spectacle involving stunt shows and head-to-head monster truck battles.

TD Bank’s Music & Food Truck Festival will take place on June 27, featuring a free concert by the 70s and 80s cover band, Arsenal, and plenty of food trucks to appease your appetite.

Go-Karting Events

NJMP’s Tempest Raceway karting facility will also have a full schedule of events in addition to their arrive-and-drive public go-karting and group events programs. Five rounds of the Northeast Karting Challenge will be held throughout the season. Endurance Karting has 2 events this year, May 8 – 10 & a 24-hour race on October 9 – 10.Cup Karts of North America on August 28 – 30, and Eastern Vintage Karting’s weekend, October 9-10, will round out the go-karting races in 2026.

The ever-popular NJ Mini GP camp will also be holding multiple schools and races at NJMP’s Tempest Raceway Liberator Track.

More NJMP Fun

Get behind the wheel this 2026 season with NJMP! These opportunities include the Xtreme Xperience exotic car experience, April 30 – May 3 and August 27 – 30, monthly NJMP Track Days for novice and intermediate drivers, Ciocca Dealerships’ Advanced Open Track Days, regular go-karting events and leagues, and exclusive membership programs providing access to 35+ private dates for NJMP’s Drivers Club and Riders Club.

Select event tickets are now on sale at www.njmp.com. All events and dates are preliminary and subject to change.

Stay up to speed with NJMP by calling (856) 327-8000, visiting www.njmp.com, or following on X: @NJMP, Instagram: @njmotorsportspark, and Facebook: @newjerseymotorsportspark.

In the high-octane world of motorsport, two giants dominate the landscape—but they rule over entirely different kingdoms. NASCAR reigns supreme in America, packing massive oval tracks with roaring crowds and delivering door-to-door racing that feels like homegrown thunder.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

Across the Atlantic and beyond, Formula 1 captivates the globe with its glamorous circuits, cutting-edge technology, and international allure. A stunning new survey from S&P Global Market Intelligence lays bare this divide: roughly 75% of U.S. racing fans tune into NASCAR, while an overwhelming 90% of motorsport enthusiasts outside America follow Formula 1.

The data, drawn from surveys of internet-using adults across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, reveals motorsport’s uneven global footprint. In countries like Italy and China, a full 25% of respondents reported watching races from NASCAR, F1, or MotoGP in the past year. India and the UK followed closely at 22%, with Germany at 19%. Yet in the U.S., only 10% of adults said the same—highlighting how NASCAR’s grip on domestic fans contrasts sharply with F1’s international dominance.

Demographics tell an even starker story. American motorsport viewers skew older, with most over 55, fueling long-standing concerns about NASCAR’s aging fanbase. Internationally, F1 draws younger crowds—especially in emerging markets like China and India—who are more digitally engaged and diverse.

This isn’t just about who watches what; it’s reflected in the numbers across the board. Globally, F1 dwarfs NASCAR in reach and revenue. Recent estimates peg F1’s annual earnings at around $3.6 billion, compared to NASCAR’s roughly $425 million. Attendance follows suit: F1 events draw over six million fans yearly across exotic locales like Monaco and Silverstone, with single races like the British Grand Prix hitting 480,000. NASCAR’s flagship Daytona 500 caps at around 182,000, with total seasonal attendance in the 3-4 million range despite having far more races per year (36 vs. 24 for F1).

On social media, F1’s glamour shines brightest—its official Instagram boasts nearly 37 million followers, against NASCAR’s 4 million. Global search interest tells a similar tale: Formula 1 racks up about 40 million monthly queries worldwide (with the U.S. contributing just 6%), while NASCAR hovers around 3 million, 84% from America.

In the U.S., however, NASCAR holds the edge in TV viewership. Cup Series races average 2.8-2.9 million viewers domestically, outpacing F1’s 1.1-1.3 million on ESPN platforms. Head-to-head clashes often favor NASCAR, though F1 has notched wins on high-profile weekends like Miami.

Yet trends point to change. Boosted by Netflix’s Drive to Survive, three U.S. races, and a younger demographic, F1 is surging stateside—some projections even suggest it could overtake NASCAR in American popularity by the mid-2030s. NASCAR, meanwhile, fights to rejuvenate its base amid declining viewership in recent years.

This divide isn’t a flaw—it’s what makes motorsport thrilling. NASCAR embodies raw, accessible American grit: pack racing, close finishes, and fan proximity. F1 offers pinnacle engineering, global prestige, and star power from drivers like Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. One thrives on home soil; the other conquers the world.

In the end, there’s room for both. Whether you’re tailgating at Daytona or sipping champagne in Monaco, the roar of engines unites fans across borders. But as data shows, the passion burns brightest in very different places.

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AVONDALE, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 02: Noah Gragson, driver of the #4 Long John Silver’s Ford, and Chris Buescher, driver of the #17 Body Guard Ford, race during the NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway on November 02, 2025 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)

Hettinger Racing will enter the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series full-time in 2026, marking the team’s first complete season at NASCAR’s national second-tier level. The Mooresville, North Carolina-based organization confirmed the move on December 23, 2025. Team owner Chris Hettinger said the timing aligned with the series’ growth and expanded national exposure.

The team will field the No. 5 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, supported by Ford Performance, with engines supplied by Roush Yates Engines. Hettinger Racing secured owner points from Cope Family Racing’s No. 70 entry, guaranteeing a starting position in the season opener at Daytona International Speedway on February 14, 2026. Driver and sponsorship announcements will come at a later date.

Hettinger Racing locks in a full-season NASCAR entry

The 2026 campaign represents a major step forward for Hettinger Racing, which has competed primarily in late model racing, the zMAX CARS Tour, the ARCA Menards Series, and select NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series events. Moving to a full-season national schedule required long-term planning and stability.

“This is about putting our race team in the right place at the right time, Hettinger said in a team release.” “The NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series has incredible momentum. It features great racing, and the series gets significant exposure thanks to coverage from The CW.”

Hettinger stated that the new platform played a significant role in the decision. “Combining that platform with the support of Ford Racing and Roush Yates Engines gives us the opportunity to grow our program into one that competes at a national level, he said.”

All races in 2026 will air live on The CW Network, with practice and qualifying streaming on the CW App. The season will be the first under the O’Reilly Auto Parts title sponsorship, following the end of Xfinity’s 11-year run as series sponsor.

Ford’s partnership and leadership structure take shape

Hettinger Racing’s alliance with Ford strengthens the manufacturer’s presence in the series after several teams moved to Chevrolet ahead of 2026. The No. 5 team will run Ford Mustang Dark Horse bodies paired with Roush Yates Engines.

Doug Yates, president and CEO of Roush Yates Engines, praised the approach Hettinger has taken. “I’ve been impressed by what Chris Hettinger has already built, and Roush Yates Engines is proud to be a part of Hettinger Racing’s future growth, Doug said.”

“Chris is a racer and a very good businessman who is taking a smart and methodical approach to 2026, Yates added.” “All of us at Roush Yates Engines are committed to him and his vision for Hettinger Racing.”

Veteran crew chief Joe Williams Jr. will lead the No. 5 program. Williams previously worked with Alpha Prime Racing and served as crew chief for Cole Custer during the 2022 season.

Team goals and early preparation for 2026

Hettinger said Williams’ experience will play a key role as the team builds through its first full season. “[Williams] brings a ton of experience, a ton of knowledge, and we’re looking forward to how he can grow this program going forward, Hettinger said.”

“Our goal for this year is to continue to build our program as the year goes on, finish races, run all the laps, and be prepared for every race that we go to and put ourselves in position to win, he added.”

Hettinger Racing has already made progress ahead of schedule. “I actually feel really, really good about our program right now, Hettinger said.” “Joe Williams and our guys have worked really, really hard. We basically have cars ready for the first four events. We feel like we’re way ahead of the game right now.”

The team plans to participate in the open preseason test at Rockingham Speedway in late January. Additional announcements are expected in the weeks leading up to the Daytona opener.

Dogli Wilberforce is a sports writer who covers NASCAR, Formula 1 and IndyCar Series for Heavy Sports. With bylines at Total Apex Sports and Last Word on Sports, Wilberforce has built a reputation for delivering timely, engaging coverage that blends sharp analysis with accessible storytelling. Wilberforce has covered everything from major football transfers to fight-night drama, bringing readers the insight and context behind the headlines. More about Dogli Wilberforce