NASCAR and IndyCar have partnered to share the race weekend at St. Petersburg in 2026, with the Truck Series race being held on Saturday, February 28, while IndyCar will take over the street course on Sunday, March 1. This marks the first collaboration between the two forms of motorsports on a street course.

The race at St. Petersburg is the opening round for IndyCar, also marking the Truck Series’ first event on a street course. Both races are set to be broadcast by FOX Sports. Fans could expect to witness the best of both worlds, starting with the IndyCar qualifying on Saturday, followed by the Truck race. Sunday will feature the IndyCar race.

The NASCAR Xfinity and Cup Series will be held on the same race weekend at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin. Speaking on the partnership between the two forms of motorsports, co-owner, chairman, and CEO of Green Savoree Racing Promotions, organizers of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Kim Green, said in a statement:

“What a great new racing addition to the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg to include the NASCAR trucks into Saturday’s show next year. Saturday will be packed for our fans with entertainment. We have INDYCAR qualifying and now an historic first with the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race. And, as usual, it all culminates on Sunday with the NTT INDYCAR SERIES season-opening event on the downtown streets of St. Petersburg.”

The St. Petersburg collaboration between NASCAR and IndyCar could pave the way for more partnerships of a similar kind in the future. Speaking to Motorsport.com, NASCAR Executive Vice President and Chief Venue & Racing Innovations Officer Ben Kennedy said:

“Yeah, potentially. We’re going to collaborate with them on the St. Pete race next year, and the good news is we have such a good relationship with Doug, with Bud, with Roger, the entire team over at IndyCar, and there are a lot of synergies as well, with them having FOX as a broadcast partner, we have FOX for the first part of our season. There are a lot of natural opportunities for us to work closer together, in particular on some of those races in the season.

“Something that we’ll continue to explore with them. I think St. Pete next year will be a good kind of case study for us. We’ve had examples of it, of racing at Indianapolis in the past, and even though we didn’t have as big of a presence there, IndyCar going to Iowa for a number of years, they came and raced at Richmond for a handful of years as well.

“Really important for us to continue to have the relationship. I wouldn’t be surprised if there were more opportunities for us to work closer together with them.”

NASCAR’s secondary series, currently the Xfinity Series, has had the same title since 2015, as Xfinity sponsored the series. However, now, the sport has raked in a lucrative new sponsor as the title of the series will change in the 2026 season. Because of the name change for the second tier series, the two-time NASCAR Xfinity champion, Kevin Harvick, has fired some shots.

NASCAR’s Xfinity Series will be renamed to NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in the 2026 season. Xfinity had signed a deal to sponsor the sport for over ten years, matching the longest such deal in any NASCAR national series. The new deal with O’Reilly Auto Parts is deemed to be multi-year, as the exact length is unknown for now.

Kevin Harvick isn’t too happy with NASCAR’s second tier series’ name being heavily based on the sponsors. Harvick asserted that the series needed its own identity and not just the name of the company that paid for them to be showcased in the title. The 49-year-old asserted that the Cup Series and the Bill France Cup were true just to the primary series.

Moreover, the Truck Series was pretty straightforward as they were currently named the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Even if Craftsman were to leave as the sponsor, the series would still be titled Truck Series. As such, the two-time Xfinity Champion again questioned what the second series really was.

I think we need to work on is we need some identity for this series. We have the NASCAR Cup Series, and we have the Bill France Cup, and we have all these things that are true to the Cup Series. The trucks are the easy one, right? They’re just trucks. Even if Craftsman is not there, it’s still the Truck Series, and then you have the Cup Series. So, what is the Xfinity Series?

Kevin Harvick said on his show Happy Hour.

Kevin Harvick questioned if in 2026 the NASCAR Xfinity Series would be renamed to the O’Reilly Series, based on their brand new sponsor. Even then, the fans would be confused, with the new ones questioning what the second series even meant, as not many might be aware of O’Reilly Auto Parts. As such, Harvick called for a consistent identity for the Xfinity Series in the coming future, one that wasn’t entirely dependent on the sponsors.

 So, what is the Xfinity Series? So, next year, are we going to be O’Reilly Series? And then everybody’s going to be like ‘What the hell is the O’Reilly Series?’ I don’t know. I just think that we need some consistent identity for the Xfinity Series as to what is it.

Kevin Harvick added.

Kevin Harvick ‘really happy’ for the NASCAR Xfinity Series to have a new sponsor for 2026

NASCAR’s new deal with O’Reilly Auto Parts is considered to be great for the sport and more successful than Xfinity. The auto parts giant is already operating over 6400 stores across the U.S, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Canada.

Howard Augustine “Humpy” Wheeler Jr., who ran Charlotte Motor Speedway for 35 years, has died at the age of 86.

Charlotte Motor Speedway announced his death Thursday, and said Wheeler died the day before of natural causes. He was hired in 1975 by Bruton Smith, the speedway’s founder and longtime owner, and his fan-centered gimmicks, attractions and events earned him the moniker “the P.T. Barnum of motorsports.”

“Humpy not only made his mark with publicity, but also with a laser focus toward the fans. He would often tell his staff to pay attention to ‘the three Ts — tickets, traffic and toilets’ in order to ensure fans have the best possible experience. He would also say it was our job to put a little ‘technicolor in people’s black-and-white lives,'” speedway officials said in a statement.

A Belmont native known for his extravagant and often fiery pre-race shows at the track in Concord, Wheeler was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame earlier this year as the Landmark Award winner for outstanding contributions to the sport. In his induction speech, he spoke of the connection between his style and racing’s roots.

“Well, that’s what makes racing is people would step up and say hey we’re gonna have some fun this afternoon or tonight and that’s what I wanted to do,” he said. His pre-race “stunts,” as Wheeler called them, involved everything from school buses jumping cars and crashing to boxing matches, military exercises with artillery pieces and a giant “Robosaurus” turning cars into twisted metal with its claws.

Wheeler became known for his practical marketing acumen as well, including his idea to add lights to the entire speedway for NASCAR’s first night race in 1992. Charlotte Motor Speedway was the first track to build condominiums on-site under Wheeler.

Humpy spoke with WFAE’s StoryCorps Local in 2024, accompanied by his daughter Patti Wheeler. A motorsport broadcast executive, Patti was present to witness and chronicle the sport’s growth and transformation over the years. At StoryCorps they spoke about Humpy’s initial foray into the racing world, and one particular moment that stood out in a long career.

You can hear their full conversation here.

And throughout his career and after, Wheeler wasn’t afraid to ruffle feathers. He joined Charlotte Talks in 2013 to talk about NASCAR’s struggles at the time. He spoke about how those in positions of power in NASCAR “got too fancy and messed up” the sport.

You can find an archive of that show here.

Influencers broke into Kentucky Speedway and filmed it

Kentucky Speedway is a 1.5-mile track in Sparta, Kentucky. The track first opened in 2000 and hosted NASCAR Cup Series events.

Following the race in 2020, the track has not hosted a NASCAR Cup Series event. While leaking a date on the NASCAR schedule, the track is still in use.

Kentucky Race Results: July 12, 2020 (NASCAR Cup Series)

The complex is occasionally rented for various events and uses. In 2021, the Ford Motor Company stored a fleet of vehicles awaiting chips amid a shortage.

Months ago, a group of influencers mistakenly thought the track was abandoned. They broke in and filmed their crimes.

Dozens of them have now been arrested…

Gallatin County Sheriff issues statement

“Several months ago, some influencers broke into the Kentucky Speedway,” the statement from the Gallatin County Sheriff opened.

“While there, they made videos and posted them to TikTok, Instagram and Facebook. In these videos, they call the Kentucky Speedway an ‘abandoned’ racetrack.”

“Kentucky Speedway is NOT abandoned! They still hold driving schools and other various events there occasionally. In addition, certain parts of the property are rented out to other companies.”

“Even if it was not in use, it is private property and marked as such.”

“Since the videos were posted we have charged and arrested dozens of individuals for trespassing and burglary. Many of which were creating additional videos, trying to steal, or just taking their own tour of the facility.”

“This is a reminder, going onto someone else’s property is illegal and it will not be tolerated. You will be prosecuted four your actions should you choose to ignore the property owner’s rights.”

They concluded, “Please share for awareness.”

Kentucky Speedway is currently owned by Speedway Motorsports, LLC.

The Next Gen car currently used in the Cup Series, while generally disliked, is actually appreciated on 1.5-mile tracks. There has been a push to bring Kentucky Speedway back to the NASCAR schedule. With the announcement of the 2026 schedule, Chicagoland Speedway, a similar track has been added back to the schedule following an absence.

2026 NASCAR schedule released

Links

NASCAR | Kentucky Speedway

Viking Motorsports co-founder Don Sackett recently announced a new industry-focused initiative that merges his two passions: motorsports and materials recycling. Through this new annual program, Viking Motorsports will feature an up-and-coming company in the scrap metal and recycling industry on the team’s No. 99 Chevrolet each season — with the goal of recognizing businesses that are driving innovation and supporting the long-term health of the recycling sector.

The inaugural company selected for this honour is Buddy, a B2B marketplace transforming how buyers and sellers of metal recyclables connect and trade. Buddy will be featured on the No. 99 Viking Motorsports Chevrolet during the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Daytona International Speedway on Friday, August 22 — one of the most iconic events on the NASCAR calendar.

​Buddy makes waves in the metal recycling industry 

Buddy’s recently launched marketplace enables direct relationships between vetted buyers and sellers in the $348B global metal recycling industry. Built by founders with over 30 years of experience, Buddy is the first digital platform designed “for scrappies, by scrappies,” offering an intuitive environment that replaces manual trading processes.​

“For more than two decades, we’ve been fortunate to work in an industry that’s constantly evolving — and we want to support the companies that are making the future brighter,” said Don Sackett, co-founder of Viking Motorsports and CEO of SciAps. “Buddy is one of those companies. Lisa and Stuart Kagan have built a platform that directly addresses the inefficiencies recyclers face every day. We’re excited to recognize their leadership and innovation by featuring Buddy on the No. 99 Chevrolet at Daytona.”

“Most trades in our industry are guided by gut feel, and rely on disconnected systems and manual work,” said Stuart Kagan, co-founder of Buddy. “Buddy solves that by fostering real relationships using technology, deepening those connections through data and AI-driven insights, and achieving better prices off the back of a more robust and resilient trade ecosystem. Having Buddy featured on the Viking Motorsports car at Daytona is an incredible opportunity to raise awareness within the industry and show recyclers across the country that a better way is here.”​

Buddy’s domestic marketplace launches soon, with leading buyers from across the country ready to engage. “Too many suppliers miss out by relying on the same small circle of buyers,” added Kagan. “Buddy gives them the chance to connect with trusted buyers, broaden their relationships, and unlock opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise see. For buyers, gone are the days of chasing material. With Buddy, the material finds them. It’s about growing a community centered on trust and mutual opportunity. We’re helping recyclers to do what our industry has always thrived on — building strong, lasting relationships — more efficiently and at scale.”

As part of this new initiative, the Recycled Materials Association (ReMA) will also join the No. 99 team as an associate partner. ReMA represents more than 1,700 companies in the U.S. and 40 countries worldwide. The D.C.-based organization provides education, safety training, and advocates for the critical role recycling plays in the U.S. economy, global trade, and sustainability.

“Relationships are everything in this industry, and Buddy understands that deeply,” added Sackett. “This program is about celebrating companies that aren’t just solving problems but are doing so with integrity, community, and a long-term vision. We’re thrilled to start this journey with Buddy.”

By JENNA FRYER

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Humpy Wheeler, a pioneering motorsports promoter and former president and general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway, has died, NASCAR said. He was 86.

Charlotte Motor Speedway said Wheeler died of natural causes Wednesday in Charlotte, surrounded by his family.

“Humpy Wheeler was a visionary whose name became synonymous with promotion and innovation in our sport,” said NASCAR chairman Jim France. “During his decades leading Charlotte Motor Speedway, Humpy transformed the fan experience through his creativity, bold ideas and tireless passion. His efforts helped expand NASCAR’s national footprint, cement Charlotte as a must-visit racing and entertainment complex.”

Howard Augustine Wheeler Jr. was born in 1938 in Belmont, North Carolina, and gained his first major publicity job with Firestone Tire and Rubber Company. He held several other positions after Firestone shut down its racing program in 1970 and was hired at Charlotte Motor Speedway by owner Bruton Smith as president in 1975.

He became a transformative figure in promoting racing and was known as the “P.T. Barnum of motorsports” for flashy pre-race stunts, elaborate productions and sparing no expense in ensuring fans had the most enjoyable experience possible at his events.

Wheeler earlier this year was named winner of NASCAR’s prestigious Landmark Award for Outstanding Contributions to NASCAR, to which he’d have been inducted into the Hall of Fame next year.

“Humpy’s contributions to and accomplishments in NASCAR are without parallel. The breadth and depth of his legacy, and those whom he influenced, assisted and mentored, cannot be overstated,” said Winston Kelley, executive director of the Hall of Fame. “Frequently adding new dynamics to the sport, Humpy’s visionary leadership and creativity helped shape today’s fan experience.

“Through his innovative promotions and stunts, Wheeler’s contributions expanded NASCAR’s national and international presence during the 1990s and early 2000s, solidifying Charlotte as ‘NASCAR’s Home for Racing.’”

Wheeler mentored “hundreds, if not thousands,” of people throughout his life, Kelley said, including inaugural NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt and Landmark Award recipient Janet Guthrie.

Wheeler spent 33 years running Charlotte Motor Speedway. His innovation and pre-race extravaganzas recreated numerous military operations — including the invasion of Grenada — that made the facility a gold standard in NASCAR. He promoted school-bus races during the week, grassroots series for young aspiring racers, stunts and even the “Robosaurus,” a towering, fire-breathing, car-crunching mechanical robot.

Wheeler and his boss, the late Smith, grew Charlotte Motor Speedway into the ownership group Speedway Motorsports Inc., which acquired multiple race tracks that play a pivotal role in American motorsports today. Charlotte was the first track to build condominiums on site, built a restaurant overlooking the race track and was the first speedway of its size to install lights for night racing.

“Charlotte Motor Speedway was blessed to have a leader in Humpy Wheeler who can only be described as ONE of a kind,” the speedway said in a statement. “ For more than 30 years, Humpy was a promoter’s promoter at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Alongside our founder Bruton Smith, Humpy pushed the speedway to new and greater heights — establishing the famed 1.5-mile superspeedway as not only the most innovative facility in NASCAR for fan, partner and competitor amenities, but also one of the most progressive in all of sports.

“Humpy’s engaging smile and flair for promotion were legendary, and his impact on every stakeholder in motorsports will be long-lasting. Humpy not only made his mark with publicity, but also with a laser-focus toward the fans,” the speedway continued. “He would often tell his staff to pay attention to ‘the three Ts — tickets, traffic and toilets,’ in order to ensure fans have the best possible experience. He would also say it was our job to put a little ‘technicolor in people’s black-and-white lives.’”

Wheeler retired from Charlotte Motor Speedway and Speedway Motorsports in 2008 after a bitter falling out with Smith, but remained active in motorsports through his own consulting company and was on the voting panel for the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

He is survived by his wife, Pat; daughters, Traci and Patti; son, Trip; and four grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are pending and the family request donations be made in Wheeler’s name to the Belmont Abbey College Motorsports Management Program, which Wheeler was instrumental in launching more than 20 years ago.

___

AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing

Originally Published: August 21, 2025 at 10:31 AM EDT