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Why Williams could lose their midfield supremacy in 2025

As it stands, Williams are comfortably 5th in the constructors standings. The British team have generally been the ‘best of the rest’ in 2025, with the FW47 proving a competitive machine. Despite the volume of crashes and incidents they suffered 2024, the Grove-based squad managed to address many of last year’s shortcomings. Team principal James […]

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As it stands, Williams are comfortably 5th in the constructors standings. The British team have generally been the ‘best of the rest’ in 2025, with the FW47 proving a competitive machine.

Despite the volume of crashes and incidents they suffered 2024, the Grove-based squad managed to address many of last year’s shortcomings.

Team principal James Vowles made a point to switch Williams’ focus to this season relatively early last season – so that his personnel could focus entirely on the 2026 regulations.

Until the Imola GP, Williams enjoyed a significant buffer over other teams in the midfield.

In recent months, however, Vowles’ personnel have seen their advantage steadily eroded.

Williams losing out in the development race

As previously outlined, Williams abandoned 2024 development relatively early to focus on this year’s package.

This decision put them in a very strong position in the opening rounds, with Alex Albon in particular achieving big points hauls.

Even Carlos Sainz, who has vocalised his struggles in adapting to the FW47, has regularly fought in the top 10.

Carlos Sainz, Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

Misfortune has also negatively impacted the Spaniard, with floor damage in Miami preventing him from finishing ahead of the Ferrari duo.

Despite this, the British team can generally be satisfied with their performance so far in 2025.

Unfortunately for James Vowles, this could change over the coming months. In fact, the Grove outfit’s advantage is largely eliminated already.

Unlike Williams, others in the midfield have introduced substantial upgrade packages since the European leg of the calendar.

Aston Martin, for example, have been far more competitive since their Imola updates.

Poor strategy and reliability failures prevented Fernando Alonso from securing big points in Imola and Monaco – but cleaner weekends in Spain and Canada saw the Double Champion secure solid results.

Haas and VCARB can also be credited with impressive mid-season updates. Haas’ transformation into a team with an effective development programme is particularly notable.

Even Sauber, at least in the hands of Nico Hulkenberg, are capable of fighting for points.

Like Aston Martin, the Swiss team have more updates scheduled for the coming weeks.

The Canadian GP was of unique significance for Williams, given it is a circuit well-suited the FW47.

For James Vowles’ team to be relatively average at a track like Canada does not bode well for the remainder of 2025.

Focus remains on 2026

To some extent, it is obviously frustrating for Williams to see other teams catch up in the midfield.

It is also plausible that, as mentioned above, the likes of Aston Martin progress further.

Carlos Sainz, Spanish Grand Prix.

This could further complicate their efforts to retain 5th place in the constructors – which would be their best result in F1 since 2017.

At the same time, James Vowles has clearly articulated what the priorities at Williams are.

The former Mercedes engineer wants to lead Williams into Championship contention – with the 2026 regulations being the best opportunity to rapidly progress.

Because of this, the team’s entire development approach has been centred on next year.

Inevitably, this mean’s the FW47 is unlikely to see any major improvements. This could certainly pay off when the lights go out in Australia next year.

Until then, however, Williams will be in an increasingly demanding midfield scrap.

Main photo: Williams Media Gallery



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NASCAR 2025 Iowa Speedway Race TV schedule: Where to watch, free live stream

NASCAR arrives at the Iowa Speedway this weekend, for the three action-packed races leading up to the Iowa Corn 350 Powered by Ethanol on Sunday, August 3. Ryan Blaney looks to defend his race title after a top 10 finish last week. There will be televised practices and qualifying races throughout the weekend leading up […]

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NASCAR arrives at the Iowa Speedway this weekend, for the three action-packed races leading up to the Iowa Corn 350 Powered by Ethanol on Sunday, August 3. Ryan Blaney looks to defend his race title after a top 10 finish last week.

There will be televised practices and qualifying races throughout the weekend leading up to the Iowa Corn 350. 2025 Iowa weekend includes racing events for the ARCA Menards Series (Atlas 150) and NASCAR Xfinity Series (HyVee Perks 250) along with the NASCAR Cup Series.

NASCAR’s 2025 Iowa Race Televised Schedule

Friday, August 1

ARCA Menards Series Atlas 150, 7 p.m. ET on FS1 (STREAM)

Saturday, August 2

Xfinity Series practice, 11 a.m. ET on The CW (STREAM)

Xfinity Series qualifying, 12:05 a.m. ET on The CW (STREAM)

Cup Series practice, 1:30 p.m. ET on truTV (STREAM)

Cup Series qualifying, 2:40 p.m. ET on truTV (STREAM)

NASCAR Xfinity Series HyVee Perks 250, 4:30 p.m. ET on The CW (STREAM)

Sunday, August 3

NASCAR Cup Series Iowa Corn 350 Powered by Ethanol, 3:30 p.m. ET on USA Network (STREAM)

Where to watch the Iowa Corn 350, all Iowa events

This week, the Cup Series flips to USA Network, while Xfinity stays on The CW. Qualifying and Practice sessions are on The CW (Xfinity) and truTV (Cup) while ARCA stays at its usual home on FS1. Sound complicated? The good news is that you can stream all of it, live on DirecTV (free trial) which remains the best bet for fans looking to watch NASCAR without cable. Sling and Hulu + Live TV also carry the necessary channels.

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What to know about the Iowa Speedway

Iowa Speedway, a.k.a., “The Fastest Short Track on the Planet,” is located in Newton, Iowa. It’s a thrilling 7/8‑mile paved D‑shaped oval patterned after Richmond Raceway, complete with turns influenced by the design work of NASCAR legend Rusty Wallace.

It opened in 2006, but the track didn’t hold its first NASCAR Cup Series event until June 2024, at the inaugural Iowa Corn 350. Ryan Blaney dominated, leading 201 of the 350 laps, while William Byron and Chase Elliott rounded out the podium in second and third.

In the lower tiers, familiar names like Brad Keselowski and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. have snowballed multiple Xfinity wins at Iowa, while drivers such as Christopher Bell, Erik Jones and William Byron have also triumphed in either Xfinity or Truck races here.

The Cup Series returns for its second Iowa Corn 350, set for 350 laps around the 0.875‑mile oval, and marking Race 23 of the 2025 season.

The entry list features 37 cars, led by short‑track ace Blaney and best bud Bubba Wallace, fresh off a Brickyard 400 win with 23XI Racing. Meanwhile, Iowa native Joey Gase makes his first Cup start of 2025 in the No. 66 Garage 66 Ford.

Can I bet on the Iowa Corn 350?

Yes, you can bet on NASCAR from your phone in New York State, and we’ve compiled some of the best introductory offers to help navigate your first bets from BetMGM, FanDuel, DraftKings, Bet365 and more.

Despite his defending status, Blaney is only +550 to win again this year, while Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin share a favorite moneyline at +450, according to DraftKings.

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NASCAR suspends Austin Hill after intentional crash | News, Sports, Jobs

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — NASCAR on Tuesday suspended Austin Hill for one Xfinity Series race for intentionally crashing Aric Almirola at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Richard Childress Racing said Cup Series driver Austin Dillon will replace Hill in the Xfinity Series race at Iowa this weekend. The suspension also stripped Hill of the 21 playoff points […]

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — NASCAR on Tuesday suspended Austin Hill for one Xfinity Series race for intentionally crashing Aric Almirola at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Richard Childress Racing said Cup Series driver Austin Dillon will replace Hill in the Xfinity Series race at Iowa this weekend.

The suspension also stripped Hill of the 21 playoff points he has earned in 2025 and prohibits him from earning points ahead of the playoffs under a new rule made before the start of the 2025 season. Hill will have to apply for a waiver to retain his playoff eligibility.

Prior to the suspension, Hill’s playoff points trailed only Connor Zilisch (29) and Justin Allgaier (22). But that count resets to zero, making his margin of error during the first playoff round virtually none.

Hill is ranked seventh in the Xfinity Series standings with three victories.



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​​Everything Dale Earnhardt Jr Revealed About NASCAR ’25’s Soundtrack

What’s Happening? Following a short clip of the main menu and soundtrack for iRacing’s upcoming console game, NASCAR ’25, Dale Earnhardt Jr hopped on X to reveal even more about the game’s soundtrack. What’s Happening? NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. has uploaded footage of iRacing’s new game, NASCAR ’25, its main menu, and the… On […]

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What’s Happening?

Following a short clip of the main menu and soundtrack for iRacing’s upcoming console game, NASCAR ’25, Dale Earnhardt Jr hopped on X to reveal even more about the game’s soundtrack.

What’s Happening?

NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. has uploaded footage of iRacing’s new game, NASCAR ’25, its main menu, and the…

On Wednesday Morning, NASCAR Hall of Famer and executive director at iRacing, Dale Earnhardt Jr., uploaded a clip of NASCAR ’25’s main menu. While fans reacted to the menu’s design, the soundtrack was the main takeaway.

Fans quickly noticed that the background music in the short clip was not the usual generic southern rock found in recent games; rather, it was Killer Mike’s song Nobody Knows. Of course, while Earnhardt has taken pride in the game itself, the former driver and music-lover has taken the soundtrack under his wing, asking fans and drivers what they’d like to see in the game.

After his Instagram post, fans quickly flocked to X to ask for more information on the soundtrack, and Earnhardt, ever a man of the people, obliged.

Earnhardt started by saying that there will be 27 different artists featured in the game, and though he didn’t expand on every artist, from his posts, here’s who Earnhardt said is included:

  • Breaking Benjamin
  • Chevelle
  • Have Mercy
  • Jelly Roll
  • Killer Mike
  • Molly Hatchet
  • Royal Blood

Earnhardt also made special notes of certain artists, for example, regarding Molly Hatchet’s Flirtin’ with Disaster, the featured song from EA Sports’ NASCAR 98, “I was told that people wouldn’t buy a game without it.”

Many fans were excited to see Breaking Benjamin on the list of artists, with Earnhardt saying that they were on a list submitted by NASCAR Cup Series drivers Bubba Wallace and Ryan Blaney alongside Royal Blood. Breaking Benjamin is another returning group from a past NASCAR game, being featured in EA’s NASCAR 07.

However, Earnhardt revealed that Breaking Benjamin was the first to contact the game and ask to be involved.

The Latest on NASCAR ’25

These posts only scratched the surface of the 27 artists, and perhaps many more songs in the game’s library, meaning fans still await a full reveal down the road. This week, NASCAR ’25 began unveiling rosters for the four series featured in the game, likely meaning a soundtrack reveal is right around the corner.

NASCAR ’25 is scheduled to release on Xbox Series X/S and PS5 on Oct. 14, with a PC port coming in the future. For any and all information, including timelines, promotional videos, and in-game info, make sure to check out our in-depth article on NASCAR ’25 below.

What’s Happening?

Since late 2023, NASCAR fans have been waiting for the release of iRacing’s upcoming NASCAR console game. In…

Let us know your thoughts on this! Join the discussion on Discord or X, and remember to follow us on InstagramFacebook, and YouTube for more updates. 





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15-year-old phenom beating former NASCAR drivers at Hawkeye Downs

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Hawkeye Downs has been witnessing a young talent lately. Tallan Chandler is a 15-year-old driver who’s leaving his mark at the track. He’s beaten a couple of former NASCAR drivers, including Landon Cassill and Kenny Wallace. Cassill had high praise for Chandler. “I haven’t raced against a teenager like that […]

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CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Hawkeye Downs has been witnessing a young talent lately.

Tallan Chandler is a 15-year-old driver who’s leaving his mark at the track.

He’s beaten a couple of former NASCAR drivers, including Landon Cassill and Kenny Wallace. Cassill had high praise for Chandler.

“I haven’t raced against a teenager like that in a while. But I can tell you that I’ve been him before and he’s a tremendous talent and has won a bunch of races,” said Cassill.

The young phenom is noticed by drivers much older than him.

“Before we even race, they say that they heard I’m a good driver, and I’m the one that they have to race against. Then after the race, they’re surprised and it’s a good feeling,” said Chandler.

He comes from a racing family where his father and grandfather were always into it. That made things come naturally.

“As soon as he got into power wheels, he was doing donuts and drifting. So we knew he really liked the cars,” said his father, Nathan Chandler.

“We made a track around my backyard and my dad and all his brothers would go out there and race me just like I was one of them,” said Tallan Chandler.

Chandler plans to continue racing at Hawkeye Downs and maybe move to dirt racing.



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Piloti Driving Shoes to Make Debut at Chicago Collective Show

Motorsport enthusiasts take note: On Sunday night, Piloti, the performance-driven luxury footwear brand, will bring select race cars to River Park at the Mart to mark its debut at the Chicago Collective. The brand was created in 1999 in Southern California by a footwear designer and motorsport fan who saw some white space in the […]

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Motorsport enthusiasts take note: On Sunday night, Piloti, the performance-driven luxury footwear brand, will bring select race cars to River Park at the Mart to mark its debut at the Chicago Collective.

The brand was created in 1999 in Southern California by a footwear designer and motorsport fan who saw some white space in the driving shoe market. The footwear was adopted early on by celebrity drivers including Jay Leno, Patrick Dempsey and David Letterman, and by 2006, professional racers had also jumped on board, with Ron Fellows, the champion of 24 Hours of Le Mans, among them.

Piloti’s claim to fame is that the footwear not only looks stylish, but it features a sole that allows the wearer to feel the pedals, making it ideal for both the track and the streets. The shoes also feature the company’s proprietary Roll Control Heel technology that distributes force evenly for enhanced support, stability and control.

Piloti’s success led to its purchase by Canadian Tire in 2014, which allowed it to expand its footwear offering as well as its team, car, driver and track sponsorships. In 2020, Piloti got involved in the popular Formula 1 series with a sponsorship of Scuderia Alpha Tauri, the same year it also snagged six footwear awards. The following year, Windsong Brands, a Connecticut-based private equity firm that also owns Tommie Copper, Swims, Cloudveil and a slew of other labels, added Piloti to its stable.

Since then Piloti has added limited apparel and accessories to its offering, including Ts, polos and vests. But footwear remains its core product. The shoes are engineered first for driving precision and then refined for comfort and classic style. Since 2016, they have been created from premium leather and suede in Italy’s top-rated tannery and also feature an Onsteam antimicrobial lining.

Top sellers include the Drift, a driving shoe in Italian nubuck with a gum bottom for a superior grip; the Shift, more of a comfort shoe in suede, and the Avenue, a luxury sneaker with a cork or compressed recycled foam and EVA insole. Other models that are gaining fans are the Icona, a true fitted driving shoe with a multidirectional tread and last shape; the Compass, a sneaker-like style with carbon fiber panels, a wheel-inspired tongue stabilizer and red hand-stitching, and the Drift Mid, a high-top version of the Drift with laser-perforated details for breathability and a hand-stitched heel inspired by taillights.

The footwear retails for $150 to $350 and is targeted to automotive enthusiasts. There are also plans for expand into other categories in the future, including leather outerwear, with a planned fall 2026 launch.

“Our roots are on the racetrack, but our eyes are on the future,” said David Sweedler, Piloti’s president. “Chicago Collective is the perfect place to share our evolution — bringing together the design, heritage, and innovation that define Piloti. We’re here to connect with retailers and buyers who are looking for something truly distinctive for their customers.”



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Gallagher, Turner BMW Resume Search for the Spotted Cow

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Turner Motorsport has been thirsting for another IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship win going on a year now. This week’s stop at Road America may provide just the right place to quench that thirst. It was at last year’s Motul SportsCar Grand Prix on the renowned Wisconsin road course that Patrick Gallagher […]

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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Turner Motorsport has been thirsting for another IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship win going on a year now. This week’s stop at Road America may provide just the right place to quench that thirst.

It was at last year’s Motul SportsCar Grand Prix on the renowned Wisconsin road course that Patrick Gallagher and Robby Foley steered the No. 96 Turner Motorsport BMW M4 GT3 to the Grand Touring Daytona (GTD) class victory.

In a postrace interview after garnering his first series win after several near misses, Gallagher boldly proclaimed, “It’s a bad day to be a Spotted Cow,” a reference to the local favorite beer he expected many on the team to celebrate with at the nearby Siebkens Resort watering hole – another local favorite – that night.

“The team definitely had a little party down at Siebkens afterwards,” Gallagher confirmed Monday during a media teleconference previewing the 2025 race weekend. “It’s just a great place to win in and get to enjoy time with all the guys and girls on the team that make it happen.”

There hasn’t been much for Gallagher and the Turner team to celebrate since, as they work to come to grips with the updated EVO version of the BMW M4 GT3 this season. While he and Foley remain consistent in their efforts in their third season together, the results have ranged from fifth to ninth place through the first six races.

Entering the weekend, the duo sits fifth in the standings. They’re only 12 points behind fourth, but over 300 behind leaders Russell Ward and Philip Ellis in the No. 57 Winward Racing Mercedes-AMG GT3, who they finished second to in the 2024 championship.

Their first two years together featured six podium showings in addition to the Road America triumph.

“I think we’ve just been learning the EVO car and getting a little better every week,” Gallagher said. “I think we’re maybe a little bit behind, but it seems like we’ve made up ground each week. It’s all the same people (on the team) and we’re just getting better, so I think we’ll be back to the podium and hopefully fighting for wins in the future, and I’m hoping it’s the near future that could happen.”

In an effort to change their fortunes, Gallagher has even resorted to growing a mustache.

“It looks ridiculous,” the Ohioan said with a laugh, “but we’ve got to try something.”

One thing Gallagher and longtime friend Foley don’t worry about as they strive to return to victory lane is support from owner Will Turner and the team. The boss has their backs.

“They believe in us and they’re behind us, and there’s not a lot of pressure there, per se, other than to just push the ball forward,” Gallagher said. “Being good friends with Robby and Will definitely makes it easier when it’s going not well. It’s not going bad, but we certainly aren’t getting everything that we want right now.

“I think I’m in a good spot with the car now,” he added, “and just having people believe in you and not be worried about, is this gonna continue or do they think it’s us, we don’t have any of that. So, the chemistry inside the team is great and I am thankful for that.

“And as well as just going racing with your best friend is pretty wild to think about. Most of the ways that these GT cars get paired up with gentlemen drivers is just not the most likely circumstance. So, I’m trying to enjoy it, even when we are running it, you know, fifth or sixth.”

Where they may be able to excel beyond pace on track is from the strategy box, courtesy of Turner’s longtime strategist Don Salama. With unusually long fuel runs paying dividends both in the most recent GTD race at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park and in GTD PRO at Road America last year, it’s worth watching when the No. 96 car makes its last scheduled stop here.

“Going into a race with him if he asks you to hit a fuel number, you just do it, you don’t even think twice about it,” Gallagher said. “You know that it’s the right call and you know, even if you don’t understand what they’re doing in the moment, you know that they’re up to something.”

Gallagher, Foley and the Turner team will see if more Spotted Cow awaits at the conclusion of Sunday’s race that streams live at 2 p.m. ET on Peacock in the U.S., as well as internationally on IMSA.tv and the IMSA YouTube channel. Qualifying airs on the same streaming outlets starting at 5:35 p.m. Saturday.



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