Ryan Blaney, driver of the #12 Wabash Ford, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series The Great American Getaway 400 Presented by VISITPA.com at Pocono Raceway on July 14, 2024 in Long Pond, Pennsylvania. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
Ryan Blaney stands atop his car and celebrates with the fans after winning The Great American Getaway 400 presented by VISITPA.com NASCAR Cup Series race last year at Pocono Raceway.
Ryan Blaney during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, June 1, 2025, in Lebanon, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Ryan Blaney celebrates after winning a NASCAR Cup Series auto race Sunday, June 1, 2025, in Lebanon, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
James Gilbert/Getty Images
1 of 4
Ryan Blaney, driver of the #12 Wabash Ford, celebrates in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series The Great American Getaway 400 Presented by VISITPA.com at Pocono Raceway on July 14, 2024 in Long Pond, Pennsylvania. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
Expand
Pocono Raceway will always hold special meaning for Ryan Blaney.
It was the site of Blaney’s first NASCAR Cup Series victory in 2017. And then he won again there last year.
“I love the area, I love the race track. That place means a lot to me,” Blaney said in a telephone interview. “Places where you have your first win, success, stuff like that, they always mean a little more. So I look forward to getting back there.”
That happens this weekend when the NASCAR Cup Series heads to Pocono for The Great American Getaway 400 presented by VISITPA.COM. It is part of a tripleheader at the 2.5-mile triangular track in Long Pond that includes the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Miller Tech Battery 200 on Friday and the NASCAR Xfinity Series Explore the Pocono Mountains 250 on Saturday.
Last year, Blaney started eighth in the No. 12 Team Penske Ford, used pit strategy to gain track position and led the final 44 laps to take the checkered flag.
“We had great speed all weekend and our strategy was incredibly good to where we could just focus on how do we get to the front, how do we stay there,” Blaney said. “We did a great job of that. That part is always super important. We just hit it right and hopefully we can hit it right again.”
Besides the two wins, Blaney also has one pole, a fifth-place finish, two sixths and two 10ths in 15 Pocono starts. He ran two Truck Series races there as well with a win in 2013 and a fifth-place in 2014.
With its three different corners, Pocono presents a unique challenge to drivers. Blaney said you are not going to be fantastic in all three, so it’s a choice of where you want to be your best.
He puts his focus on Turns 1 and 3.
“I want to be really good (there) and then I’ll just kind of deal with the tunnel (turn),” Blaney said. “Everyone’s a little different, but those two corners are most important because they lead to some really good passing zones.
“It’s hard to be good in (Turns) 1 and 3 . (Turn) 1 is pretty banked and a little sharper than Turn 3. Turn 3 is long, flat, got a gradual corner. Turn 3 has always been No. 1 important to me, then Turn 1 is second-most important and then the tunnel (turn) third. With that long front straightaway, you need to be good off that corner because it can really bite you if you struggle over there to be able to pass or maintain a position if you’re battling somebody.”
Restarts at Pocono also are key. The front straightaway is the longest in NASCAR at 3,740 feet and is 60 to 100 feet wide. On restarts, drivers will fan out four-, five-, even six-wide, then have to quickly funnel in line heading into turn 1.
“When you have a lot of room, guys just try to find the best way to try to navigate through there and get the clean air or the best position possible,” Blaney said. “The restarts are always important. You’d better make sure you’re on the offensive. If you’re on the defensive, you’re kind of going backwards. So it’s a lot of timing your runs on the restarts. And then, do you try to push somebody? Do you try to get somebody behind you to push you? It just kind of all depends. But they get pretty wild and you hope you’re going forward and not get swallowed up.”
This season has been up and down for Blaney. He ranks fourth in laps led with 346, but has endured crashes and engine failures that led to five finishes of 32nd or worse. He does have a victory — three weeks ago at Nashville — along with six top-five and seven top-10 finishes in 16 races.
“Some of the finishes that we’ve not been able to get definitely stink,” Blaney said. “But that’s just kind of the way it goes. You focus on the positives and the positives are we’ve been really fast. That’s the toughest thing to find – the speed in the car. Hopefully it smooths out for us. It was nice to get that win at Nashville. It’s been a rocky year, but I feel really good about it because our speed is there. Hopefully we can keep that through the year and when the playoffs start.”
Practice and qualifying for The Great American Getaway 400 is Saturday. The 160-lap race gets the green flag Sunday at 2 p.m. It will be televised on Amazon Prime.
NASCAR AT POCONO SCHEDULE
Friday: Craftsman Truck Series practice, 12:35-1:30 p.m.; qualifying, 1:40-2:30 p.m.; Miller Tech Battery 200, 5 p.m.
Saturday: Xfinity Series practice, 10-10:55 a.m.; Xfinity qualifying, 11:05 a.m.-noon; Cup Series practice, 12:35-1:35 p.m.; Cup qualifying, 1:45-2:30 p.m.; Xfinity Explore the Pocono Mountains 250, 3:30 p.m.
Sunday: Cup Series, The Great American Getaway 400 presented by VISITPA.COM, 2 p.m.
The NASCAR world has been hit by tragedy once again with the news that Racing America Chief Operating Officer Michael Printup has died.
He was 60.
Per Racing America on SI, Printup spent 30 years working in NASCAR, including 15 as the track president at Watkins Glen International Speedway.
“Watkins Glen International is saddened by the passing for former President Michael Printup, who led the facility for 15 years,” Watkins Glen shared on X. “During his tenure, Michael played a key role in the continued growth and success of Watkins Glen International, helping to strengthen its operations, partnerships, and standing with the motorsports industry while honoring the venue’s storied history.
“Michael was a respected leader who left a lasting impact on the organization and those who worked alongside him. We extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.”
The Racing America account on X called Printup “a true motorsports icon and friend.”
“His passing and leadership shaped our sports and will never be forgotten,” the account added.
Printup is the fifth person with NASCAR ties to die since the start of December, joining former drivers Michael Annett, 39, Nick Joanides, 55, and Greg Biffle, 55 as well as Dennis Hamlin, 75, the father of driver Denny Hamlin.
Prior to Printup’s passing, Hamlin’s death was the most recent after he was killed in a house fire on Sunday in North Carolina. His wife, Mary Lou Hamlin, 69, has been hospitalized after sustaining burns in the tragedy.
Meanwhile, Biffle was killed along with his family and some friends when his plane crashed on Dec. 18 at the Statesville Regional Airport in North Carolina.
Biffle’s Cessna 550 was reportedly attempting to land at around 10:15 a.m. at the airport just outside of Charlotte when the crash occurred.
Biffle had a 16-year career behind the wheel in the NASCAR Cup Series, starting 515 races and winning 19. He had 175 top ten finishes.
His last race with the series came in the 2022 Geico 500 in Talladega.
Biffle also drove 244 races on the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. He won 20 of those and logged 149 more top 10 finishes. He also was behind the wheel for 83 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races, winning 17 of those with 55 top 10 finishes.
His death followed the passing of Nick Joanides on Dec. 5 and Michael Annett on Dec. 2.
Joanides, 55, was a star on the West Coast scene most recently making three starts in the ARCA West Series. He also drove in the NASCAR Xfinity Series when it was called the Nationwide Series.
Annett, 39, drove for JR Motorsports from 2017 through 2021 and the team shared the news of his death on social media.
A native of Des Moines, Iowa, Annett was behind the wheel for 106 NASCAR Cup Series races, but never managed to finish in the top 10. While his results at that level were not eye-popping, Yahoo Sports noted he drove for a pair of “underfunded teams” in Tommy Baldwin Racing and HScott Racing.
Annett had more success on the Xfinity Series where he drove in 321 races with 95 top-10 finishes. His lone win came in the 2019 NASCAR Racing Experience 300 at Daytona International Speedway.
He also drove in nine NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races with two top-10 finishes.
ARCAposted a statement on Xabout both the deaths of Joanides and Annett that read, “We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of ARCA Menards Series driver Michael Annett and ARCA Menards Series West driver Nick Joanides, both of whom passed away recently.”
CONCORD, NC, UNITED STATES, January 2, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Wheelhouse Motorsports today announced a new strategic partnership with Robert Noaker Racing (RNR), uniting two leading organizations known for their development of competitive Mustang racing programs. The collaboration brings together RNR’s championship-winning expertise with Wheelhouse’s operational strength, deep technical resources, and nationally recognized driver development capabilities.
Robert Noaker Racing enters the partnership following back-to-back Team and Driver Championships in 2024 and 2025, including a flawless 2025 Mustang Challenge season in which the Noaker-prepared car led every lap of every race. Wheelhouse Motorsports will integrate this proven technical knowledge with its own established infrastructure, including its GT4 Mustang program competing in the World Racing League (WRL).
Operations will be based at the Wheelhouse Motorsports facility located on the campus of Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Wheelhouse team, including the manager, engineering staff, and technical crew, brings over 100 years of combined motorsports experience to the program. At the track, competitors will also recognize familiar faces, as the RNR crew, led by Bob Noaker, will collaborate with Wheelhouse personnel to support all Mustang Challenge efforts. “As we continue to expand Wheelhouse Motorsports, this partnership represents a significant step forward,” said Dan McKeever, owner of Wheelhouse Motorsports. “Robert Noaker Racing has demonstrated exceptional proficiency in the Mustang Dark Horse R platform, and by combining that expertise with our operational systems and our long-standing commitment to driver development, we are well-positioned to deliver a next-level experience for our customers and competitors.”
The alliance leverages Wheelhouse’s roots in operating the Ford Performance Racing School, the nation’s premier performance driving school since 2006. The organization operates owner-experience programs for Ford and offers 1-day, 2-day, and Advanced high-performance driving courses, giving clients access to top-tier coaching and continuous development. Integrating this expertise with RNR’s race-winning preparation provides a comprehensive solution for drivers seeking a pathway into professional competition.
“This partnership allows both of our organizations to do what we do best,” said Robert Noaker, owner of Robert Noaker Racing. “Wheelhouse brings unmatched operational depth, driver training, and a world-class facility. When we combine that with the experience our team has developed running and winning with the Dark Horse R, we create a program built to elevate any driver who wants to compete at a higher level.”
Through this partnership, drivers have the following opportunities: – Lease a Mustang Dark Horse R for the entire 2026 Mustang Challenge season. – Contract Wheelhouse/RNR to maintain and operate their own cars. – Compete with Wheelhouse Motorsports in the WRL series, piloting a GTO-class Mustang GT4.
Wheelhouse Motorsports and Robert Noaker Racing look forward to delivering a comprehensive, competitive, and professionally supported environment for drivers seeking championship-caliber performance in 2026 and beyond.
Bill Johnson Wheelhouse +1 910-658-1447 email us here
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
There are a few deviations from recent years, but the local race calendar looks to be another strong one at Sebring International Raceway. As usual, much of the early action at the track will come in the form of preseason testing, some of it private team testing and other test days are sanctioned by the corresponding series.
The SSCA has a general test slated for Jan. 8, while the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli will take over the track Jan. 21-22. IndyCar make its typical stop at Sebring on Feb. 9-10, where the cars test over the raceway’s short course.
The first event for fans will be the quick turnaround for the last major event held at Sebring, Historic Sportscar Racing’s Sebring Pistons & Props Presented by Alan Jay Automotive Network on Feb. 13-15.
The event will again feature a collection of top-notch vintage airplanes and cars for three days of action on and off the track. Tickets will go on sale shortly.
The season-opener for Sebring the past few years, the Trans Am Series, will now be the second event at SIR this season, running Feb. 26-March 1. The Trans Am races will again be run with the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association.
Trans Am will introduce the TA Sprint Championship at Sebring, a new series of five races that are 50 miles or 35 minutes. The series is designed to make it easier for club racers to make the move into a professional series.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to announce the TA Sprint Championship”, said Trans Am President Andy Lally. “With shorter races and a limited schedule, we believe that TA Sprint will be an exciting opportunity for non-pro club racers who want to experience a professional-level event with live streaming. With TA Sprint holding its own races, it’s a great first step for those who may want to eventually step up into our TA2 Pro/Am Challenge.”
March 18-21 brings the marquee event of the year, the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, one of the top sportscar races in the world. There will be plenty of other racing action, with the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge Alan Jay Automotive Network 120, along with the Mustang Challenge, Lamborghini Super Trofeo and Porsche Carrera Cup North America races.
May 8-10 sees the return of SRO Motorsports and GT World Challenge America powered by AWS. The SRO series provide excellent GT racing and the races feature a handful of drivers who will be competing in the 12 Hours of Sebring.
There’s a bit of a lapse before the final big event of the season, the HSR Classic 12 Hour and Sebring Historics, which will feature some of the finest vintage sportscars still racing. The event is slated for Dec. 3-6. The Classic 12 Hour isn’t a 12-hour race, but rather 12 races for four different run groups, with the winner decided by cumulative time.
There will also be two appearances from the ChampCar Endurance Series, World Racing League and a number of club races, including the National Auto Sport Association Championships in September.
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.
On January 1, 2026, Roger Penske, the legendary founder of one of motorsport’s most enduring empires, released a deeply personal open letter to fans, marking the start of a year-long celebration of Team Penske’s 60th anniversary.
–by Mark Cipolloni–
The letter, penned in Penske’s characteristic straightforward and grateful tone, reflects on humble beginnings, unwavering fan support, and a commitment to future success—reminding everyone why “The Captain” has built a legacy that spans generations.
What began in 1966 as a modest operation in a small shop just outside Philadelphia has evolved into a powerhouse with over 650 major race wins, more than 700 pole positions, and 48 championships across IndyCar, NASCAR, IMSA, and beyond. Penske vividly recalls those early days: victories in the team’s first two outings—the 24 Hours of Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring—set the stage for decades of dominance, all grounded in core values of integrity, respect, passion, hard work, and an unrelenting will to win.
Yet, amid recounting milestones like 20 Indianapolis 500 triumphs, five NASCAR Cup Series titles, three Daytona 500 wins, and recent back-to-back GTP championships with Porsche Penske Motorsport, Penske reserves his warmest words for the fans. “Your loyalty is unmatched, and your dedication is unparalleled,” he writes, calling supporters the “lifeblood” of the sport whose passion fuels the team through highs and lows.
He also emphasizes the human element—”our human capital”—crediting countless drivers, crew members, partners, and fans for the organization’s longevity. A poignant nod to his father introduces the guiding mantra: “Effort Equals Results,” a principle Penske vows will drive the team forward as they honor the past without resting on it.
The 2026 season promises to be unforgettable, with celebrations including retro paint schemes across entries in multiple series, a refreshed 60th anniversary logo on cars, uniforms, and merchandise, an elevated Team Penske Hall of Fame program, and a special Fan Day offering behind-the-scenes access and driver meet-and-greets.
Highlights include dedicated exhibits showcasing historic cars, trophies, and rare artifacts at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, and the Penske Racing Museum in Scottsdale.
Iconic victories like these will be relived throughout the year.
As Penske signs off with sincere thanks, he affirms: “We know the best is still to come.” For a team that has defined excellence in American motorsport for six decades, 2026 isn’t just a milestone—it’s a launchpad for the next chapter. Fans are invited to join the journey using #Penske60.
CONCORD, NC, UNITED STATES, January 2, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Wheelhouse Motorsports today announced a new strategic partnership with Robert Noaker Racing (RNR), uniting two leading organizations known for their development of competitive Mustang racing programs. The collaboration brings together RNR’s championship-winning expertise with Wheelhouse’s operational strength, deep technical resources, and nationally recognized driver development capabilities.
Robert Noaker Racing enters the partnership following back-to-back Team and Driver Championships in 2024 and 2025, including a flawless 2025 Mustang Challenge season in which the Noaker-prepared car led every lap of every race. Wheelhouse Motorsports will integrate this proven technical knowledge with its own established infrastructure, including its GT4 Mustang program competing in the World Racing League (WRL).
Operations will be based at the Wheelhouse Motorsports facility located on the campus of Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Wheelhouse team, including the manager, engineering staff, and technical crew, brings over 100 years of combined motorsports experience to the program. At the track, competitors will also recognize familiar faces, as the RNR crew, led by Bob Noaker, will collaborate with Wheelhouse personnel to support all Mustang Challenge efforts.
“As we continue to expand Wheelhouse Motorsports, this partnership represents a significant step forward,” said Dan McKeever, owner of Wheelhouse Motorsports. “Robert Noaker Racing has demonstrated exceptional proficiency in the Mustang Dark Horse R platform, and by combining that expertise with our operational systems and our long-standing commitment to driver development, we are well-positioned to deliver a next-level experience for our customers and competitors.”
The alliance leverages Wheelhouse’s roots in operating the Ford Performance Racing School, the nation’s premier performance driving school since 2006. The organization operates owner-experience programs for Ford and offers 1-day, 2-day, and Advanced high-performance driving courses, giving clients access to top-tier coaching and continuous development. Integrating this expertise with RNR’s race-winning preparation provides a comprehensive solution for drivers seeking a pathway into professional competition.
“This partnership allows both of our organizations to do what we do best,” said Robert Noaker, owner of Robert Noaker Racing. “Wheelhouse brings unmatched operational depth, driver training, and a world-class facility. When we combine that with the experience our team has developed running and winning with the Dark Horse R, we create a program built to elevate any driver who wants to compete at a higher level.”
Through this partnership, drivers have the following opportunities:
– Lease a Mustang Dark Horse R for the entire 2026 Mustang Challenge season.
– Contract Wheelhouse/RNR to maintain and operate their own cars.
– Compete with Wheelhouse Motorsports in the WRL series, piloting a GTO-class Mustang GT4.
Wheelhouse Motorsports and Robert Noaker Racing look forward to delivering a comprehensive, competitive, and professionally supported environment for drivers seeking championship-caliber performance in 2026 and beyond.
Bill Johnson Wheelhouse +1 910-658-1447 email us here
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability
for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this
article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
